France vs Belgium: Preview and Prediction

Tuesday 10th July 2018

World Cup 2018 - Semi Final
Tuesday 10th July 2018
Kick off at 7pm BST
Venue: Saint-Petersburg Stadium

Match Preview:

On a technical level the two best teams left in the World Cup will play each other for a place in the final on Tuesday night. It’s been a thrilling tournament where both France and Belgium have improved as the competition has gone on.

To get here France overpowered Argentina and then put on a very polished display in knocking out Uruguay who had dumped out the European champions Portugal in the previous round. The likes of Antoine Greizmann, Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba have really shone for the 1998 World Cup champions and France look like they are in a good position to reach the final.

Belgium have been nothing short of superb and Roberto Martinez’s team will be very difficult to beat. Belgium looked down and out in the round of 16 against Japan, 2-0 down with twenty minutes to play but they came back to win 3-2. Then in the quarter finals they surprised a lot of people with a deserved 2-1 win over Brazil. Belgium were not afraid to go toe to toe with Brazil and why should they with the quality of players they have at their disposal. Indeed on paper it could be said Belgium has the best team at the World Cup with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard a constant threat.

There has histrocially been no love lost between these two nations which will only add spice to the fire and we should see a game that has plenty of attacking opportunites for both teams. In a further twist to the match, French legend Thierry Henry is the assistant manager of Belgium and will have to plan France’s own downfall.

France vs Belgium Team News:

France: No new major injury worries or suspensions

Belgium: Thomas Meunier will miss this game through suspension

France vs Belgium Head to Head:

The last time the teams met was 3 years ago where Belgium won 4-3 in a friendly.

The last time the teams met in a World Cup was at Mexico 86 where France won 4-2 in extra time in the third place play-off match.

France have failed to beat Belgium for 20 years although they have only played each other 3 times since then.

France vs Belgium Prediction:

The quality and skill of both sets of teams should make this match one to remember. It should be fast paced and if one of these teams tries to play more cautiously surely they may be going out. Attack will be the nature of the day and because of their overall experience we will go for France to reach the final.

France vs Belgium Betting Tips:

France to qualify for the final (includes extra time and or penalties) at 1.72

Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 3.00

Both teams to score at 1.91