France Vs Belgium 1-0 (2018 World Cup Goals & Highlights).

France and Belgium kick off the 2018 world cup semifinals and its a massive game going forward.

France, a one-time World Cup champion, and Belgium face off in Saint Petersburg for a spot in the final, where they’ll play either Croatia or England on Sunday in Moscow. This contest features French superstars Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann going up against Belgian superstars Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne in what’s surely to be an intense, back-and-forth battle.

France finished first in Group C and then went on to beat Argentina (4-3) and Uruguay (2-0) to reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, Belgium won Group H, beat Japan (3-2) in the round of 16 and then stunned Brazil (2-1) in the quarterfinals.
Both teams are healthy and aren’t facing any major concerns. They’re expected to field their strongest teams for this one.

A trip to Moscow and a place on the grandest stage in football is the prize on offer for the victor, with one of Croatia or England – who play on Wednesday – waiting on the other side of the draw.

The match began with an electric display from Mbappe taking on all the defenders and laying in a cross swept away by the Belgium defense. Early threat show from Les Blues. The game’s possession was overturned in no time with the Belgians trying to break with Hazard as a focal point from the left flank. France had a few chances with Mbappe’s pace becoming a potential danger.

Hazard had a chance which went wide. Alderwereld was robbed by Giroud and crossed the ball into the Belgium penalty box with Matuldi missing out a chance to put France in the lead.

Matuldi latched unto the ball and tried a long range shot which Courtois held well. Hazard had another chance with a run into the French penalty box and laced a thunderous shot which hit Varane. The ball was flying into the top of the roof. Chadli floated a ball into the French penalty box and Illoris punched the ball which just missed Felliani.

20 mins played and the red devils keep the pressure in the French half with another corner, which Alderwerld hit on the turn and almost beats the French goalie who parried the ball for another corner.

Umtiti picked out Giroud’s run but the Chelsea striker could not connect well enough to disturb Thibaut Courtois. Belgium continue to dominate possession with 58% of the ball.

39 minutes in and Mbappe dribbles with the ball and puts Pavard in with a lovely true pass and Pavard’s shot hit the legs of Courtois denying France’s first goal.

Dembele brought down Pogba as he approached the Belgian box winning a freekick. Griezmann steps up but didn’t get the elevation over the wall and that’s another freekick hitting the wall in this worldcup. Debryne drops in a very nice cross that hit French defender Umtiti and the elbow of Lukaku. The Manchester United striker couldn’t react on time to the ball and France escape a late scare to half time.

The ref blows the whistle for half time as France and Belgium go into the half with no goals scored.

2nd half resumes!!!

Witsel whips a good cross into the French box and Lukaku gets just slight touch with his head unto the ball but the ball doesn’t get into the net. Belgium kick things into gear in the second half as they keep putting in long balls with Felliani’s attempt to head the ball foiled by Umtiti. Matuldi ran through to the wings before laying a good pass into Giroud’s feet who turns his defender and hits the ball but only gets a corner.

The corner is whipped in and Umtiti heads the ball into the Belgium goal and its a Goal for France. The Barcelona defender puts his team into the lead.

France 1 Belgium 0.

https://youtu.be/kReKqZQ4WL8

Dembele off, Mertens On.

Belgium keep the attack alive seeking an equalizer, with Mertens making an early impact with his cross that is cleared inly into the path of Debryne whose shot is deflected. Mertens continues his impact on the game crossing in the ball with Fellani heading the ball wide of Illoris post. Belgium is mounting the pressure.

Mbappe takes on his defender, beats him with his pace and crosses the ball to the other side of the pitch for Griezmann who feeds the ball into the oath of Giroud and the Arsenal striker hits is wide. The game remains at 1-0 with France leading. If it stays like this, France in their 6th World Cup semifinal will be on their way to Moscow for the final against the winners of Croatia and England.

Belgium continue the pressure but cant break the French defense and finally ready Carrasco. Fellani impedes Mbappe as the young french attacker races in front of him. The Manchester United man gets yellow carded. Hazard seemed fouled in front of the French defense after a dazzling run into the area. No Foul!!! says the referee.

Carrasco On Felliani Off.

Axel Witsel tries a long range shot which Hugo Illoris punches the ball away. Close one! Belgium still trail. France make their first game of the match with Nzonzi coming on. 6 minutes added and Michy comes on for Belgium. Its now urgent Belgium get a goal to keep their world cup dream alive. Griezmann tries a low ball and Courtois holds unto the ball. Mbappe gets yellow carded for time wasting. Mbappe gets fouled by Vertoghen and he Belgian defender is yellow carded.

It is over!!! France proceed to the world cup final. They beat Belgium with a one goal margin. Congratulations to France!!!

See all the highlights below.

https://youtu.be/q5VnvgsxnsY