Soccer, WC 2018: France vs. Belgium official in-game thread.
Two of Europe's heavyweights go H2H in a game that’s been coined as the 'final before the final'. On paper, these sides are stronger than the other two semi-finalists, meaning that the eventual winner will be installed as favourites to lift the 2018 World Cup (WC).
Belgium are playing attractive football, but it is a France side led by WC winner Didier Deschamps that stands between Belgium and their first ever WC final. Despite being the second youngest side in the tournament, ‘Les Bleus’ have proven to be a match for anyone.
The hype surrounding the so-called 'Golden Generation' of Belgian football stars has finally been justified. In reaching the semi-finals, Belgium have now matched their finest ever WC run, which ended at this stage in Mexico ‘86.
The last time these two nations faced off against each other at the WC finals was Mexico ‘86 in the third place playoff. On that occasion, France prevailed by winning 4-2 in extra time, after the first 90 minutes yielded a 2-2 scoreline.
Players to watch: Antoine Griezmann has scored in each of France’s two knockout games, however he will need to go goal-crazy to have any chance of winning the golden boot.
Eden Hazard has arguably been the standout performer for Belgium, with his skilful trickery helping him notch two goals and two assists.
Stat attack: Belgium have scored at least two goals in all but one game during this competition.
Four of Belgium’s five games during the campaign have produced over 2.5 goals in total.
Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann have scored six of France’s nine goals between them.
Three of the last four meetings between the sides have produced under 2.5 goals in total.
Both sides have already won from losing positions during this tournament.
Belgium are playing attractive football, but it is a France side led by WC winner Didier Deschamps that stands between Belgium and their first ever WC final. Despite being the second youngest side in the tournament, ‘Les Bleus’ have proven to be a match for anyone.
The hype surrounding the so-called 'Golden Generation' of Belgian football stars has finally been justified. In reaching the semi-finals, Belgium have now matched their finest ever WC run, which ended at this stage in Mexico ‘86.
The last time these two nations faced off against each other at the WC finals was Mexico ‘86 in the third place playoff. On that occasion, France prevailed by winning 4-2 in extra time, after the first 90 minutes yielded a 2-2 scoreline.
Players to watch: Antoine Griezmann has scored in each of France’s two knockout games, however he will need to go goal-crazy to have any chance of winning the golden boot.
Eden Hazard has arguably been the standout performer for Belgium, with his skilful trickery helping him notch two goals and two assists.
Stat attack: Belgium have scored at least two goals in all but one game during this competition.
Four of Belgium’s five games during the campaign have produced over 2.5 goals in total.
Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann have scored six of France’s nine goals between them.
Three of the last four meetings between the sides have produced under 2.5 goals in total.
Both sides have already won from losing positions during this tournament.
