FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Review: Rejuvenated France edge past determined Belgium
Both the teams came into the match having gone unbeaten throughout the tournament.
(WebDesk) – Drama was already hovering in the air prior to the kick off between Belgium and France with Real Madrid announcing the departure of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Serie A champions Juventus for a transfer fee of 105 Million Euros. With the news confirmed and nerves settled, all eyes were on the mouth-watering tie that promised to be an absolute cracker.
The shocking news of Ronaldo’s transfer broke minutes before the start of the Semi Final. Photo: Footballalive
Both the teams came into the match having gone unbeaten throughout the tournament with 5 out of 5 wins for Belgium and 4 wins and a draw for France. Everyone pretty much expected a closely fought match and that is exactly what they got later on.
Belgium started the match with extreme confidence taking control over France with a determined midfield and an attack full of flair. Eden Hazard, in particular, proved to be a huge threat for the sturdy French defence as he cut through on numerous occasions providing a scare to the opposition fans. His quick feet and on the ball skills proved to be too much at times. If it had not been for Hugo Lloris’s heroics, Belgium would have been in the lead early on.
Hazard troubled the French defence with his swift feet early on in the match. Photo: Zimbio
In the 19th minute, the Belgian maestro moved pass Benjamin Pavard from the left with ease, dribbling his way to the box before unleashing a vicious shot, destined for the back of the net, only to be deflected wide. Belgium tested Lloris once more exactly a couple of minutes later when defender Toby Alderweireld kicked the ball on the turn only to be denied by a fully stretched Lloris. Belgium continued to attack but lacked the final blow necessary to take the lead. The French soon got a chance to counter as well and almost got the lead when Benjamin Pavard had his shot saved brilliantly by Belgium no.1, Thibaut Courtois. The fullback was allowed to run through from the side courtesy a brilliant run and slick pass from teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe.
Lloris made a magnificent save to deny Toby Alderweireld. Photo: Daily Express
Courtois made good saves to keep his team alive in the tie. Photo: Mirror
Both the sides continued to spar but to no avail as the first half ended goalless in St. Petersburg.
Didier Deschamps must have delivered a killer pep talk in the dressing room as France emerged from the tunnel a completely new and rejuvenated outfit. As the second half commenced the French midfield, took control of the situation at hand and provided great help to its forwards. In the 51st minute, Olivier Giroud finally had the chance of breaking the deadlock but veteran defender, Vincent Kompany, blocked his powerful shot on the turn. The corner that followed resulted in the first goal of the match with Samuel Umtiti’s accurate header ending in the back of the net.
Samuel Umtiti broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Photo: Marca
France continued to dominate midway through the second-half courtesy sublime passing and swift interplay but the Belgian defence and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept the Europeans in the match. Belgium tried to claw its way back into the game and almost made it through but an extremely powerful shot by midefielder Axel Witsel was denied expertly by a diving Hugo Lloris to end the match at 1-0.
The Belgians were eventually knocked out of the tournament by France. Photo: Sports Illustrated
The result means that France are on their way to Moscow to play either England or Croatia in the Final of the 11th edition of the World Cup.
By: Raacikh Asghar
