Samuel Umtiti's goal was enough to secure France's passage into the World Cup final CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
JJ Bull 10 JULY 2018 • 9:19PMFollow
France 1 - 0 Belgium
10/07/2018 19:00
Referee: Andrés Cunha|Venue: Krestovsky Stadium|Attendance: 64,286
Samuel Umtiti51
France beat Belgium to reach World Cup final where they will play Croatia or England
What time is England vs Croatia?
France edged Belgium in St Petersburg to reach their third World Cup final in 20 years as Belgium's 24-game unbeaten streak came to an end.
Belgium came into the game as the tournament's top scorers, boasting a 100 per cent record after five games in Russia.
Head coach Roberto Martinez was forced to make changes from their quarter-final win over Brazil, with Tottenham's Mousa Dembele a surprise pick to replace the suspended Thomas Meunier.
Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli were rewarded for impressive performances in Belgium's win over Brazil with starting berths on Tuesday night.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi was restored to the France midfield.
Belgium began the brighter of the two sides in what was a cagey opening 15 minutes.
France found themselves camped in their own half as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne enjoying plenty of touches of the ball.
7:44pm
44 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Dembele pulls down Pogba and must go in the book now. Kante stops a Hazard counter-attack, Griezmann plays in Pogba and Dembele does his usual... and gets away with it. I told you he's good at that!
Griezmann has a free-kick chance now though. Belgium has a big wall but Courtois will be nervous.
7:41pm
42 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France looks the more likely to score as we get close to halftime but Belgium are defending deep and soaking up the pressure.
7:39pm
40 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Kante reads a Dembele pass before he's even made it and starts a counter-attack. France gets to Belgium's box but Griezmann's shot is closed down and blocked. But now Mbappe is on the edge of the box and disguises a pass inside to Pavard! He's one on one with the goalkeeper! COURTOIS SAVES! Brilliant from the goalkeeper!
7:37pm
38 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Great move to France! they fire quick one-touch passes to beat the press and Griezmann sprints forward! Matuidi runs ahead of him but Griezmann doesn't play the pass early enough and then decides to shoot. He drags it wide.
Giroud has taken a knock in that move and is receiving treatment for it.
7:35pm
36 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Dembele gives the ball away and then does his classic Spurs move of ensuring the person who profits from that is stopped quickly. Griezmann gets a free-kick and in classic Spurs style, Dembele isn't booked. He's really clever with those. Never pulls the shirt, just does enough to stop you running.
7:34pm
34 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France attack, Griezmann can't find Giroud with a cross but then has a chance to shoot soon after and smashes over from 20 yards on his right foot.
Kante carries the ball about 50 yards but his pass to Giroud is poor. Never mind, France wins it back straight away, a chipped pass over the top plays in Mbappe, who crosses and Giroud doesn't time his finish well and gets the connection all wrong.
7:32pm
32 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
It goes short to Pavard - DISGUISE! - and he hits a cross into the area. Giroud has to dive towards his own goal, away from Belgium's, to meet it and his header is headed towards the top corner! Just wide. Great effort.
Hazard comes down the left, rides two definite fouls and then shows the kind of skill that makes you stand to your feet while typing a live blog because it's so good. Quick feet, close control at high speed. God, he's good. Goal kick.
7:30pm
30 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Mbappe goes tumbling and wins a free-kick. The referee is very clear with Vertonghen and tells him not to do that again. Griezmann can hit this into the area from about 35/40 yards.
7:27pm
28 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
France drop deep as Belgium have the ball, Mbappe tries to dribble his way out but gives possession away and this could cost France! De Bruyne is wide left, hits a low cross into the area and if it wasn't for Umtiti's clearance, Lukaku was in! Great defending.
7:25pm
26 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Fellaini heads the corner away at the near post. France win it back, Matuidi is into the box... cuts it back... but the ball has gone behind for a goal kick.
7:24pm
24 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France slows things down for a bit and passes around until all their players are in Belgium's half. Kante carries it and things have opened up all of a sudden! Alderweireld blocks to give away a
corner.
7:22pm
22 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
De Bruyne curls in another cross from wide left and Varane deals with it, throwing himself at the header to put it behind for a corner. Belgium is in control of this game at the moment.
WHAT A SAVE BY LLORIS! Brilliant! The corner is sent in, lands at the feet of Lloris' Spurs teammate Alderweireld and hehe shoots with power towards the top corner. Lloris sees it late but dives and claws it away with his top hand.
7:19pm
20 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Matuidi tries a hit from 20 yards, catches it well but it's down the middle and Courtois can catch!
Belgium come forward now, Hazard cuts in from left to right, goes past Pavard and tries a shot... it comes off ahead and flies just over the bar! Corner to Belgium.
It's cleared at the near post, Belgium keep up the pressure, the ball is crossed towards Fellaini and Lloris punches!
Great game so far.
7:17pm
18 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
France taking their turn to enjoy possession now and Mbappe tries to burst past Hazard and Vertonghen on the right wing. Hazard is back doing his defensive duties though and it's out for a throw.
7:15pm
16 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
So close to Belgium! De Bruyne runs onto a loose ball, tucks a lovely little pass on the volley into Hazard and his shot is just wide of the far post. Belgium looks really good here.
7:13pm
14 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
That is absolutely brilliant from Pogba. Chadli gives a pass away, Griezmann lays it off and Pogba completely bins Dembele with a stepover and shift of balance, burns to the halfway line and then sends Mbappe away with a through-ball. He's quick and he might make this... he has! Mbappe is behind the last man but Courtois comes off his line and smothers before Mbappe can reach it.
7:11pm
12 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Great one-touch play by Matuidi. France link passes and gets into the final third with Griezmann but nobody controls Hernandez's cross and Belgium get away with it.
7:09pm
10 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Look how deep France are sitting. They're just letting Belgium pass the ball around, staying patient.
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
That's Giroud as the furthest player forward.
7:07pm
8 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Belgium making the pitch and nice and big and passing around. Hazard is up to all sorts of tricks and looks really fired up for this.
7:06pm
6 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Hazard is causing problems down the left and taking advantage of Mbappe not tracking back. He wins a corner.
I think Belgium is a 3-3-3-1 in the attack, which you can sort of see here.
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Chadli's corner goes straight out for a goal kick.
7:04pm
4 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Kante tries a long switched pass to the right wing but Pavard can't get there and Belgium have men over now! Chadli is wide right and tries a cross which bounces behind for a throw.
Belgium come forward again and De Bruyne tries a curling cross into the area... it just needs a touch! But nobody anticipates and France can clear. Belgium is going for it early on!
7:02pm
2 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
It's an exciting start! Mbappe goes past a couple of players on the right and pings the ball into the midfield but Belgium's defense deals with the danger.
Belgium have lined up exactly as I predicted earlier, with the exception being De Bruyne is wide right and Lukaku is a central striker.
7:00pm
KICK OFF
HERE WE GO!
6:58pm
The starting lineups one more time
6:57pm
National anthems
France has definitely "won" this. Thierry Henry doesn't know what to do with himself, president Macron looks on from the stands. I don't think he'll have him beheaded if France loses... but I'm just saying let's not rule that out.
And now time for the official football anthem:
Or at least it will be if Fifa bothers to reply to my letters.
6:55pm
Scenes in Brussels
CREDIT: REUTERS
Looks quite busy. I wonder how many of them will be flinging pints into the air so they can get on the TV?
6:54pm
Here come the players
But who's going to win?
Rio Ferdinand
"I fancy France"
Alan Shearer
"Belgium for me. Just"
6:48pm
The warm-ups
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
CREDIT: REUTERS
Christian Karambeu has just been asked on camera whether France will win the World Cup. "I hope so!" he says. The presenter waits a few moments with another question before asking him again.
"I hope so!"
All I can think of is the scene in Dumb and Dumber when Harry - on fire - screams "for god's sake just give me the damn number!"
6:43pm
Jurgen Klinsmann on Fellaini
"You don't wanna deal with it, this fella here. You don't want to play against him, have physical contact with him".
6:40pm
Traitor!
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
How do you think Thierry Henry's coping just now? Assistant coach at Belgium, a former World Cup winner with their opponents tonight.
Henry's spent a lot of time coaching Lukaku in particular and I, for one, would love to know what he's like as a coach. It's so rare that great players can explain to others what makes them so good.
6:38pm
France's World Cup record
6:35pm
The BBC reckons it's 3-4-3
With Dembele and Chadli at wing-backs. I don't believe it and am sticking with my 4-3-3 prediction.
Dembele and Chadli at wing-back are mental.
6:33pm
Belgium's World Cup record
6:29pm
Kylian Mbappe
CREDIT: FIFA
This is a great read from our man Jeremy Wilson.
Tipped to be football's next global superstar, Kylian Mbappe is already an inspiration to a new, modern France
The France captain, Hugo Lloris, can see similarities with how Mbappe and also his Tottenham team-mate, and England's captain, Harry Kane have a mentality that allows them to remain unaffected by what can now be frenzied attention. “Kylian’s been the same old person, he stays true to himself, he smiles, he’s relaxed,” said Lloris. “He has a bright future ahead but he is also very aware that, when the opportunity knocks on the door, you must seize it. The entire world saw him shine against Argentina. He’s ready.”
6:26pm
Where is tonight's game?
6:14pm
Inside the dressing room
CREDIT: FIFA
6:11pm
Deschamps looking to keep things tight tonight
1 - Blaise Matuidi attempted (61) & completed the most passes (55) in the last encounter between France 🇫🇷 & Belgium 🇧🇪 in June 2015 (3-3). He also made the most recoveries among the French players (8). Charo. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/u8cN2ZN0JC— OptaJean (@OptaJean) July 10, 2018
The inclusion of Matuidi tonight suggests Deschamps is fairly concerned about the team he has to play. France is only ever a 4-3-3 against Strong opponents (capital S on purpose) and usually lineup in a 4-2-3-1. Griezmann is incredibly effective as a 10 but finds himself shunted out onto the left wing as a result of this tactical switch. Belgium can, therefore, afford to be a little more offensive if France is planning on making things slow and muddy in midfield and defense then relying on the counter-attack.
6:06pm
How France play
Before the tournament began I made these videos looking at how they would play. This one has held up, surprisingly!
World Cup tactics: France's lightning-quick attack
6:02pm
England players will be watching tonight
View image on Twitter
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
That feeling when you've got a World Cup semi-final tomorrow...
They've got a tricky game against Croatia to deal with first but they'll be paying close attention to tonight's match just in case.
5:57pm
This is excellent
View image on Twitter
5:54pm
What is Belgium's lineup
The Belgian FA seems to think Belgium is a 3-5-2... with Dembele at right-back. I have a feeling Martinez might run into a bit of trouble with that.
It could also be a 3-3-3-1... will it work?
View image on Twitter
The team news from Saint Petersburg has arrived...
5:49pm
France starting lineup
And here it is. Looks like Deschamps has gone for a more cautious (surprise...) approach tonight, playing Matuidi, Kante, and Pogba in midfield.
France
Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Pogba, Matuidi, Kante; Griezmann, Giroud, Mbappe
5:44pm
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Juventus!
This isn't particularly relevant to tonight's game but what a piece of news this!
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to join Juventus after the Italian champions agreed on a fee of around £88m with Real Madrid, bringing an end to a hugely successful nine-year stay at the Bernabeu.
The 33-year-old had hinted after Real’s third successive Champions League final triumph in May that he was keen to leave Spain and, with Manchester United reluctant to enter the bidding, he has decided to move to Serie A.
Ronaldo, who was once again Portugal’s star player as they exited the World Cup in the round of 16 following defeat to Uruguay, had always maintained that he wanted to rejoin United, but that move has failed to materialize and it is not thought manager Jose Mourinho was keen on the deal.
5:37pm
Belgium starting lineup
The teams are in! Or at least Belgium's seems to be judging by this tweet:
Which would make this something of a 4-3-3, De Bruyne as a false nine and Chadli as a right-back?
That'll become a three-man defense when Belgium have the ball with Witsel possibly dropping a little shorter and Vertonghen staying wide left as a center-back, taking the ball into midfield.
5:30pm
Brazil is gone
Long gone! And it was Belgium who put them out in a result that shocked a lot of the world. Except for Belgium. And many other places. Perhaps you were un-shocked too.
This is how the world reacted to that momentous result.
5:21pm
Quiz question
Which former St Johnstone, Clyde and Hamilton player could win the World Cup with Belgium? That would be Graeme Jones of course!
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
He's an assistant coach to Martinez having, presumably, met him along his journeyman career through the lower leagues of England and the very top in Scotland.
5:16pm
Does it really even matter if you have possession?
I enjoyed this article from slightly earlier in the World Cup and the numbers hold up. It's changing a wee bit now, especially with two teams like France and Belgium left.
5:05pm
Fans are enjoying themselves
CREDIT: TASS
CREDIT: REUTERS
CREDIT: TASS
The streets are full of supporters on their way to the stadium and it looks really fun.
5:02pm
Happy World Cup semi-final day!
Hello! Good evening and welcome to our live blog for what promises to be an unpredictable, exciting mega game!
In the blue corner we have France, previous winners of the trophy and with a squad blessed with pace, skill, cunning and managed by a determined, dogged ball-winner of a manager.
Opposite in the red zone is Belgium, international no-ones but with a first team featuring some of the very best players in each position in the entire world, managed by a confusing, ambitious tactics-fan of a coach.
Who will win? I have absolutely no idea. You could tell me any score and I'd believe it. 1-0. 4-3. 2-2. All of them seem believable.
France has youth on their side but Didier Deschamps does his best to keep them organized and won't let them run wild and free. Kylian Mbappe is the standout but N'Golo Kante is probably their most important player. Eden Hazard admitted earlier in the week that playing with Kante on form gives you a 95 percent of winning the match.
Paul Pogba hasn't really turned up yet, Antoine Griezmann hasn't shown what he's capable of either and Olivier Giroud, it turns out, does a whole lot more for the team than a lot of people ever seemed to notice.
Belgium is interesting. They haven't played well except for the previous match in which Martinez tweaked his system ever so slightly to more of a back four, dropped Carrasco and Mertens and discovered that by pushing De Bruyne - perhaps one of the best four players in the world - into advanced positions, he was quite good at football. NOBODY SAW IT COMING.
The teams will be in soon (probably about six) and we can start working out the approach both managers will take tonight from there. Until then, stay with us for all the build-up a soccer fan could ask for.
JJ Bull 10 JULY 2018 • 9:19PMFollow
France 1 - 0 Belgium
10/07/2018 19:00
Referee: Andrés Cunha|Venue: Krestovsky Stadium|Attendance: 64,286
Samuel Umtiti51
France beat Belgium to reach World Cup final where they will play Croatia or England
What time is England vs Croatia?
France edged Belgium in St Petersburg to reach their third World Cup final in 20 years as Belgium's 24-game unbeaten streak came to an end.
Belgium came into the game as the tournament's top scorers, boasting a 100 per cent record after five games in Russia.
Head coach Roberto Martinez was forced to make changes from their quarter-final win over Brazil, with Tottenham's Mousa Dembele a surprise pick to replace the suspended Thomas Meunier.
Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli were rewarded for impressive performances in Belgium's win over Brazil with starting berths on Tuesday night.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi was restored to the France midfield.
Belgium began the brighter of the two sides in what was a cagey opening 15 minutes.
France found themselves camped in their own half as Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne enjoying plenty of touches of the ball.
France players congratulate Samuel Umtiti on his goal CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Hazard, who has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, had the first big opportunity of the game, cutting inside before driving his shot inches past Hugo Lloris' far post.
Lloris was called into action just two minutes later as the Spurs goalkeeper was required to turn Toby Alderweireld's shot away with an acrobatic one-handed save.
France's best chance of the first half fell to Benjamin Pavard, who was denied brilliantly by Benjamin Pavard after being neatly slid in by Mbappe.
But Didier Deschamps side did not have to wait long to capitalize as Antoine Griezmann's 50th-minute corner was headed home by Samuel Umtiti.
Fellaini went close for Belgium halfway through the second half but his header narrowly went past Lloris' near post.
At full-time King Philippe of Belgium congratulated France president Emmanuel Macron in what was the first competitive meeting between France and Belgium since the 1986 World Cup.
France will play in Sunday's showpiece 20 years on since they won the World Cup on home soil.
Les Bleus will now play either Croatia or England who meets in Moscow on Wednesday evening.
Auto updateOn
9:19pm
Story of the semi-final
9:07pm
Opta's statistical pointers
France has reached their third World Cup final, also doing so in 1998 and 2006. Only Germany (8) and Italy (6) have reached more among European nations.
Since reaching their first in 1998, France have now reached more World Cup finals than any other nation (3).
This was Belgium’s first defeat of any kind since a friendly defeat against Spain in September 2016.
France have beaten Belgium three times in World Cup matches, more than they’ve beaten any other side in the competition.
44% of the goals at the 2018 World Cup have come from set piece situations (69/158, including penalties).
Despite having almost two-thirds of the possession in this match (64%), Belgium attempted just nine shots – 10 fewer than France managed (19).
Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 20 competitive games for France (12 goals, 8 assists).
Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 13 of France’s last 20 goals scored in major tournaments (World Cup and EUROs), with nine goals and four assists.
Only England’s Harry Kane (6 goals) has been involved in more goals at the 2018 World Cup than France’s Antoine Griezmann (5 – 3 goals, 2 assists).
France’s Olivier Giroud has had 13 shots in the 2018 World Cup, but none have been on target. Since 1966, no player has had more attempts in a single tournament without getting one on target.
9:03pm
xG tells a story too
View image on Twitter
9:02pm
The shooting stats
9:00pm
The third-placed play-off
Gary Lineker
"They're dreadful aren't they?"
Jurgen Klinsmann
"Yeh, you don't want to play them."
9:00pm
Roberto Martinez says
"I think unfortunately for us the difference was a dead ball situation, a set play. It was very close, very tight and it was going to be decided by the one that could find that final touch in the box or in front of goal. I thought the attitude of the players was outstanding. Given everything always until the last second, always pushing.
"Disappointment is the only thing that matters. We wanted to get in the final, the players showed incredible focus but we are going to look forward to the next game and make sure we finish the tournament on a real high."
8:53pm
FULL TIME!!!
FRANCE ARE IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!
8:53pm
90 mins+6 - France 1 Belgium 0
I think Vertonghen might take the defeat if it means he gets to smash Mbappe into the upper tier of the stand at the moment. Suddenly, Tolisso is in! This is huge... he must score... but his shot is saved by Courtois. Another incredible save by the Belgium keeper.
It's a corner. France will shield this.
8:51pm
90 mins+5 - France 1 Belgium 0
Ohhhhh that's a big chance! Griezmann, somehow, has a chance to shoot but Courtois does really well to save low. And then France have another chance to counter! It's three vs three but Mbappe's pass is poor and Tolisso can't do anything with it.
And then Mbappe is fouled by Vertonghen. Yellow card and a stupid free-kick to give away.
8:50pm
90 mins+3 - France 1 Belgium 0
Mbappe and Griezmann stand over the free-kick, Mbappe tries a bit of skill and De Bruyne chips down the line but the linesman says it's out. Mbappe tries to hold the ball in the corner, then dribbles away with it from the corner... and Belgium doesn't like it! Witsel comes over and shoves him to the floor. Yellow card for Mbappe. Damn teenagers with your Gameboys.
8:48pm
90 mins+1 - France 1 Belgium 0
Six minutes of added time! Pogba celebrates by winning a free-kick wide left of the Belgium box after a clumsy Chadli challenge.
That's Chadli's last involvement and on comes Michy Batshuayi. I think that makes Belgium's formation a 3-1-28 now.
8:47pm
90 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
The free-kick is chipped in, headed across goal... but nobody can reach it! N'Zonzi clears.
And then seconds later De Bruyne plays a wonderpass into Lukaku, who tries to head the ball despite it being a yard ahead of him and taking it down on the foot far easier. Chance is gone. De Bruyne throws his hands in the air, and it is not because he just does not care. He cares very much.
Belgium running out of time!
8:45pm
88 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mbappe tries to dribble instead of clearing or passing and puts France in trouble. Hazard runs inside with the ball, Kante tracks him like a limpet hanging on and brings down Hazard. Kante then goes and lays into Mbappe for not getting the ball up the pitch. You just can't try things in the last five minutes of a World Cup semi-final in your own defensive third.
8:43pm
86 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi goes down after being clattered by Hazard and takes his time to get up. Belgium players stand around him offering a hand to help him up but he ignores them. Time wasting, methinks.
Tolisso is about to come on for him now. Deschamps gives Matuidi a big hug.
8:41pm
84 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi came off worse from that collision but seems to be OK. N'Zonzi is about to come on for Giroud.
Belgium need to up the tempo - they have about eight minutes left in the World Cup at the moment!
8:39pm
82 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Change of strategy! Carrasco on, Fellaini off. Witsel works really hard to keep the ball from Giroud and shows great skill to do so, Belgium comes forwards as France drop super deep. AND WITSEL SHOOTS FROM 25 YARDS OUT!
Great save by Lloris! The ball has been parried and there's been a collision between Hazard and Matuidi, who are both down injured.
8:37pm
79 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
![]()
France focusing all their play down Mbappe on the right, Belgium putting all their eggs in the Chadli/Mertens to Fellaini basket. It's not a great basket.
Now then, does Belgium have anything else? Hazard bursts away from Pogba plays a one-two and then goes down. Everyone stops playing but the referee doesn't care. Hazard gets up slowly and is absolutely fine. He can't believe there's no foul.
It's a clear foul. What on earth is the referee thinking here?
8:33pm
76 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
![]()
Hazard, who has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, had the first big opportunity of the game, cutting inside before driving his shot inches past Hugo Lloris' far post.
Lloris was called into action just two minutes later as the Spurs goalkeeper was required to turn Toby Alderweireld's shot away with an acrobatic one-handed save.
France's best chance of the first half fell to Benjamin Pavard, who was denied brilliantly by Benjamin Pavard after being neatly slid in by Mbappe.
But Didier Deschamps side did not have to wait long to capitalize as Antoine Griezmann's 50th-minute corner was headed home by Samuel Umtiti.
Fellaini went close for Belgium halfway through the second half but his header narrowly went past Lloris' near post.
At full-time King Philippe of Belgium congratulated France president Emmanuel Macron in what was the first competitive meeting between France and Belgium since the 1986 World Cup.
France will play in Sunday's showpiece 20 years on since they won the World Cup on home soil.
Les Bleus will now play either Croatia or England who meets in Moscow on Wednesday evening.
Auto updateOn
9:19pm
Story of the semi-final
9:07pm
Opta's statistical pointers
France has reached their third World Cup final, also doing so in 1998 and 2006. Only Germany (8) and Italy (6) have reached more among European nations.
Since reaching their first in 1998, France have now reached more World Cup finals than any other nation (3).
This was Belgium’s first defeat of any kind since a friendly defeat against Spain in September 2016.
France have beaten Belgium three times in World Cup matches, more than they’ve beaten any other side in the competition.
44% of the goals at the 2018 World Cup have come from set piece situations (69/158, including penalties).
Despite having almost two-thirds of the possession in this match (64%), Belgium attempted just nine shots – 10 fewer than France managed (19).
Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 20 competitive games for France (12 goals, 8 assists).
Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 13 of France’s last 20 goals scored in major tournaments (World Cup and EUROs), with nine goals and four assists.
Only England’s Harry Kane (6 goals) has been involved in more goals at the 2018 World Cup than France’s Antoine Griezmann (5 – 3 goals, 2 assists).
France’s Olivier Giroud has had 13 shots in the 2018 World Cup, but none have been on target. Since 1966, no player has had more attempts in a single tournament without getting one on target.
9:03pm
xG tells a story too
View image on Twitter
9:02pm
The shooting stats
9:00pm
The third-placed play-off
Gary Lineker
"They're dreadful aren't they?"
Jurgen Klinsmann
"Yeh, you don't want to play them."
9:00pm
Roberto Martinez says
"I think unfortunately for us the difference was a dead ball situation, a set play. It was very close, very tight and it was going to be decided by the one that could find that final touch in the box or in front of goal. I thought the attitude of the players was outstanding. Given everything always until the last second, always pushing.
"Disappointment is the only thing that matters. We wanted to get in the final, the players showed incredible focus but we are going to look forward to the next game and make sure we finish the tournament on a real high."
8:53pm
FULL TIME!!!
FRANCE ARE IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!
8:53pm
90 mins+6 - France 1 Belgium 0
I think Vertonghen might take the defeat if it means he gets to smash Mbappe into the upper tier of the stand at the moment. Suddenly, Tolisso is in! This is huge... he must score... but his shot is saved by Courtois. Another incredible save by the Belgium keeper.
It's a corner. France will shield this.
8:51pm
90 mins+5 - France 1 Belgium 0
Ohhhhh that's a big chance! Griezmann, somehow, has a chance to shoot but Courtois does really well to save low. And then France have another chance to counter! It's three vs three but Mbappe's pass is poor and Tolisso can't do anything with it.
And then Mbappe is fouled by Vertonghen. Yellow card and a stupid free-kick to give away.
8:50pm
90 mins+3 - France 1 Belgium 0
Mbappe and Griezmann stand over the free-kick, Mbappe tries a bit of skill and De Bruyne chips down the line but the linesman says it's out. Mbappe tries to hold the ball in the corner, then dribbles away with it from the corner... and Belgium doesn't like it! Witsel comes over and shoves him to the floor. Yellow card for Mbappe. Damn teenagers with your Gameboys.
8:48pm
90 mins+1 - France 1 Belgium 0
Six minutes of added time! Pogba celebrates by winning a free-kick wide left of the Belgium box after a clumsy Chadli challenge.
That's Chadli's last involvement and on comes Michy Batshuayi. I think that makes Belgium's formation a 3-1-28 now.
8:47pm
90 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
The free-kick is chipped in, headed across goal... but nobody can reach it! N'Zonzi clears.
And then seconds later De Bruyne plays a wonderpass into Lukaku, who tries to head the ball despite it being a yard ahead of him and taking it down on the foot far easier. Chance is gone. De Bruyne throws his hands in the air, and it is not because he just does not care. He cares very much.
Belgium running out of time!
8:45pm
88 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mbappe tries to dribble instead of clearing or passing and puts France in trouble. Hazard runs inside with the ball, Kante tracks him like a limpet hanging on and brings down Hazard. Kante then goes and lays into Mbappe for not getting the ball up the pitch. You just can't try things in the last five minutes of a World Cup semi-final in your own defensive third.
8:43pm
86 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi goes down after being clattered by Hazard and takes his time to get up. Belgium players stand around him offering a hand to help him up but he ignores them. Time wasting, methinks.
Tolisso is about to come on for him now. Deschamps gives Matuidi a big hug.
8:41pm
84 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi came off worse from that collision but seems to be OK. N'Zonzi is about to come on for Giroud.
Belgium need to up the tempo - they have about eight minutes left in the World Cup at the moment!
8:39pm
82 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Change of strategy! Carrasco on, Fellaini off. Witsel works really hard to keep the ball from Giroud and shows great skill to do so, Belgium comes forwards as France drop super deep. AND WITSEL SHOOTS FROM 25 YARDS OUT!
Great save by Lloris! The ball has been parried and there's been a collision between Hazard and Matuidi, who are both down injured.
8:37pm
79 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
France focusing all their play down Mbappe on the right, Belgium putting all their eggs in the Chadli/Mertens to Fellaini basket. It's not a great basket.
Now then, does Belgium have anything else? Hazard bursts away from Pogba plays a one-two and then goes down. Everyone stops playing but the referee doesn't care. Hazard gets up slowly and is absolutely fine. He can't believe there's no foul.
It's a clear foul. What on earth is the referee thinking here?
8:33pm
76 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
This strategy is working perfectly at the moment. France sits with everyone in the defensive third and wait to get a loose ball, ping it to Mbappe then move up the pitch. Belgium has to foul them if they lose the ball or risk being hit on the counter.
Still, the attacks come down the right side, Fellaini waits at the back post to try and attack any crosses that come his way.
De Bruyne launches a shot over the bar from 20 yards. He's just off balance as he hits it.
8:31pm
74 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
France is sitting so deep now that they don't really know how to get out. Umtiti gets hit in the face with the ball and delays his reaction to falling to the ground.
Boooooooooooo.
8:28pm
72 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mertens crosses from the wide right and it's a great ball but Fellaini is blocked and half-heartedly asks whether that might have been a foul. The referee doesn't care, Belgium keeps hooking crosses into the box.
Alderweireld is booked for preventing Matuidi going past him on the counter-attack.
Pogba has been excellent tonight and has spent most of his time marking attackers out of the game.
8:27pm
70 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mertens trips Griezmann and spoils an attacking move for Belgium. France are in control of this, Belgium hasn't offered anything in this second half to suggest they know how to get past the low block. France is basically playing like Atletico Madrid.
8:25pm
68 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Fellaini is playing as the 10 for Belgium now. De Bruyne is being taken off the ball far too easily - as he has been all tournament from these deeper positions - and France pounce! Griezmann takes the ball down, waits for Giroud to join... and he shoots over the bar.
8:23pm
66 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
De Bruyne gives away the ball and just for a second Belgium are in real danger! Hazard sprints back and takes one for the team, bringing down Matuidi before he can cause too much danger.
Mertens crosses from wide right in Belgium's next attack and it's cleared before a striker can get on it. Mertens gets another chance and aims towards FELLAINI! Just wide.
8:20pm
64 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Chadli does really well to win a corner as Belgium look for him again wide right. Chadli will take.
He has Kompany, Lukaku, Alderweireld, Fellaini, Witsel, Vertonghen all to aim at... and it's cleared at the near post.
Why isn't De Bruyne taking the corners? I really don't get this at all.
8:19pm
62 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Martinez has been reading the live blog and has decided to take Dembele off and put Mertens on. That'll be a change of shape to... something. Surely he hasn't put De Bruyne deeper? He has. De Bruyne is now playing in a deep midfield position where he can't really influence play, despite running the show against Brazil.
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CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Maybe it'll work. Who knows.
8:16pm
60 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Belgium really needs to improve on this. I really don't understand the praise Martinez has been getting for his tactical decisions. He made one big one, which was changing the shape for the Brazil game having seen his original idea not work very well against a pub team and Tunisia. Then he didn't make any changes while leading and almost threw the game away. Here, Belgium is struggling to create chances to score. Still, nothing changes.
8:14pm
58 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Great chance to attack! France launch the counter-attack, Mbappe leads the charge down the right and crosses low to Matuidi... but his shot is blocked. France keep up the pressure and then OH MY LORD what a bit of skill that is! Mbappe does a little double drag back, flicked backheel pass to put Giroud clean through on goal. It's astonishing skill but Giroud's effort is blocked.
"He's going to be the best player in the world," says Danny Murphy.
8:12pm
56 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
This strategy is working perfectly at the moment. France sits with everyone in the defensive third and wait to get a loose ball, ping it to Mbappe then move up the pitch. Belgium has to foul them if they lose the ball or risk being hit on the counter.
Still, the attacks come down the right side, Fellaini waits at the back post to try and attack any crosses that come his way.
De Bruyne launches a shot over the bar from 20 yards. He's just off balance as he hits it.
8:31pm
74 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
France is sitting so deep now that they don't really know how to get out. Umtiti gets hit in the face with the ball and delays his reaction to falling to the ground.
Boooooooooooo.
8:28pm
72 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mertens crosses from the wide right and it's a great ball but Fellaini is blocked and half-heartedly asks whether that might have been a foul. The referee doesn't care, Belgium keeps hooking crosses into the box.
Alderweireld is booked for preventing Matuidi going past him on the counter-attack.
Pogba has been excellent tonight and has spent most of his time marking attackers out of the game.
8:27pm
70 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Mertens trips Griezmann and spoils an attacking move for Belgium. France are in control of this, Belgium hasn't offered anything in this second half to suggest they know how to get past the low block. France is basically playing like Atletico Madrid.
8:25pm
68 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Fellaini is playing as the 10 for Belgium now. De Bruyne is being taken off the ball far too easily - as he has been all tournament from these deeper positions - and France pounce! Griezmann takes the ball down, waits for Giroud to join... and he shoots over the bar.
8:23pm
66 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
De Bruyne gives away the ball and just for a second Belgium are in real danger! Hazard sprints back and takes one for the team, bringing down Matuidi before he can cause too much danger.
Mertens crosses from wide right in Belgium's next attack and it's cleared before a striker can get on it. Mertens gets another chance and aims towards FELLAINI! Just wide.
8:20pm
64 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Chadli does really well to win a corner as Belgium look for him again wide right. Chadli will take.
He has Kompany, Lukaku, Alderweireld, Fellaini, Witsel, Vertonghen all to aim at... and it's cleared at the near post.
Why isn't De Bruyne taking the corners? I really don't get this at all.
8:19pm
62 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Martinez has been reading the live blog and has decided to take Dembele off and put Mertens on. That'll be a change of shape to... something. Surely he hasn't put De Bruyne deeper? He has. De Bruyne is now playing in a deep midfield position where he can't really influence play, despite running the show against Brazil.
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Maybe it'll work. Who knows.
8:16pm
60 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Belgium really needs to improve on this. I really don't understand the praise Martinez has been getting for his tactical decisions. He made one big one, which was changing the shape for the Brazil game having seen his original idea not work very well against a pub team and Tunisia. Then he didn't make any changes while leading and almost threw the game away. Here, Belgium is struggling to create chances to score. Still, nothing changes.
8:14pm
58 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Great chance to attack! France launch the counter-attack, Mbappe leads the charge down the right and crosses low to Matuidi... but his shot is blocked. France keep up the pressure and then OH MY LORD what a bit of skill that is! Mbappe does a little double drag back, flicked backheel pass to put Giroud clean through on goal. It's astonishing skill but Giroud's effort is blocked.
"He's going to be the best player in the world," says Danny Murphy.
8:12pm
56 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Mick Jagger is in the crowd. Danny Murphy goes "well they'll be dancing in the streets," then laughs at his joke as Steve Wilson refuses to. We are all Steve Wilson.
France's free-kick is easily dealt with.
8:10pm
54 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi is bundled to the floor by Witsel as he tries to carry the ball over the halfway line. Martinez is wearing his thinking expression on the sidelines.
Dembele fouls Matuidi on the edge of the box... but again isn't booked. Such a talent.
8:08pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
UMTITI SCORES FROM THE CORNER!
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CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
The ball is curled in at speed, Umtiti runs across the defense to the near post and heads past the goalkeeper! He just beats Fellaini to the ball and Courtois can't stop it.
8:08pm
51 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
De Bruyne is absolutely rapid when he tries to win the ball back. The man in possession has absolutely no time to think and if he had a little more support while doing it you'd think France will be in a lot of trouble at some point.
France come down the left, the pass is made inside and Giroud spins on the spot, beats Kompany... but his shot is then deflected behind for a corner. Great play Giroud.
8:06pm
49 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Belgium is switching play much more quickly in this half to shift the France defense around. Witsel whips a cross to the six-yard box, Lukaku is there but heads over. At least he's had service - Lukaku has hardly touched the ball all night.
Belgium is definitely looking for Chadli more and then trying to work crosses towards Fellaini and Lukaku. Pogba is sticking with Fellaini the whole time.
8:03pm
47 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Alderweireld never seems too sure on the ball when he brings it forward but an attempted pass into Chadli on the right is intercepted and De Bruyne sparks to life! He chases, is quick and forces a couple of hurried tackles which result in a throw. France wins the ball back and moves up the pitch.
8:02pm
KICK OFF 2
Belgium gets the second half started.
8:01pm
The pundits reckon there will be goals soon
Based on their being lots of attacking talent on the pitch, all three of the BBC's experts have predicted that we'll some goals. I'm not so sure... neither team appears willing to commit too many players forward. France especially is staying cautious and trying to counter-attack. I'd be really happy to be wrong.
The players are back on the pitch.
7:53pm
Rio Ferdinand loves Mbappe
"What's really impressed me is that France is relying on a 19-year-old!
"I don't know what they're feeding Mbappe but I need it!"
7:52pm
Some reading ahead of tomorrow
I wrote this earlier. It took ages and so if you'd like to read it that would be very nice.
7:51pm
A true team player
View image on Twitter
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
425 - Olivier Giroud has now played over seven hours of football at the 2018 World Cup (425 minutes) without managing a single shot on target. Frustrating.
7:49pm
Shots on goal
It doesn't feel like France have had that many shots... but the stats don't like! Unless they're wrong. And I'm pretty sure these aren't.
7:47pm
7:46pm
HALFTIME
De Bruyne whips a cross in, Umtiti gets his interception all wrong and Lukaku doesn't anticipate it. You can't blame him. And that's the whistle!
It's been really fun to watch. Both teams extremely wary of each other, neither able to carve out any clear scoring chances, though Pavard's is probably the closest anyone's come yet. One goal could settle this one.
7:45pm
45 mins+1 - France 0 Belgium 0
Griezmann punts his effort straight into the wall then passes the rebound out for a goal kick.
Mick Jagger is in the crowd. Danny Murphy goes "well they'll be dancing in the streets," then laughs at his joke as Steve Wilson refuses to. We are all Steve Wilson.
France's free-kick is easily dealt with.
8:10pm
54 mins - France 1 Belgium 0
Matuidi is bundled to the floor by Witsel as he tries to carry the ball over the halfway line. Martinez is wearing his thinking expression on the sidelines.
Dembele fouls Matuidi on the edge of the box... but again isn't booked. Such a talent.
8:08pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
UMTITI SCORES FROM THE CORNER!
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
The ball is curled in at speed, Umtiti runs across the defense to the near post and heads past the goalkeeper! He just beats Fellaini to the ball and Courtois can't stop it.
8:08pm
51 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
De Bruyne is absolutely rapid when he tries to win the ball back. The man in possession has absolutely no time to think and if he had a little more support while doing it you'd think France will be in a lot of trouble at some point.
France come down the left, the pass is made inside and Giroud spins on the spot, beats Kompany... but his shot is then deflected behind for a corner. Great play Giroud.
8:06pm
49 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Belgium is switching play much more quickly in this half to shift the France defense around. Witsel whips a cross to the six-yard box, Lukaku is there but heads over. At least he's had service - Lukaku has hardly touched the ball all night.
Belgium is definitely looking for Chadli more and then trying to work crosses towards Fellaini and Lukaku. Pogba is sticking with Fellaini the whole time.
8:03pm
47 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Alderweireld never seems too sure on the ball when he brings it forward but an attempted pass into Chadli on the right is intercepted and De Bruyne sparks to life! He chases, is quick and forces a couple of hurried tackles which result in a throw. France wins the ball back and moves up the pitch.
8:02pm
KICK OFF 2
Belgium gets the second half started.
8:01pm
The pundits reckon there will be goals soon
Based on their being lots of attacking talent on the pitch, all three of the BBC's experts have predicted that we'll some goals. I'm not so sure... neither team appears willing to commit too many players forward. France especially is staying cautious and trying to counter-attack. I'd be really happy to be wrong.
The players are back on the pitch.
7:53pm
Rio Ferdinand loves Mbappe
"What's really impressed me is that France is relying on a 19-year-old!
"I don't know what they're feeding Mbappe but I need it!"
7:52pm
Some reading ahead of tomorrow
I wrote this earlier. It took ages and so if you'd like to read it that would be very nice.
7:51pm
A true team player
View image on Twitter
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
425 - Olivier Giroud has now played over seven hours of football at the 2018 World Cup (425 minutes) without managing a single shot on target. Frustrating.
7:49pm
Shots on goal
It doesn't feel like France have had that many shots... but the stats don't like! Unless they're wrong. And I'm pretty sure these aren't.
7:47pm
7:46pm
HALFTIME
De Bruyne whips a cross in, Umtiti gets his interception all wrong and Lukaku doesn't anticipate it. You can't blame him. And that's the whistle!
It's been really fun to watch. Both teams extremely wary of each other, neither able to carve out any clear scoring chances, though Pavard's is probably the closest anyone's come yet. One goal could settle this one.
7:45pm
45 mins+1 - France 0 Belgium 0
Griezmann punts his effort straight into the wall then passes the rebound out for a goal kick.
44 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Dembele pulls down Pogba and must go in the book now. Kante stops a Hazard counter-attack, Griezmann plays in Pogba and Dembele does his usual... and gets away with it. I told you he's good at that!
Griezmann has a free-kick chance now though. Belgium has a big wall but Courtois will be nervous.
7:41pm
42 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France looks the more likely to score as we get close to halftime but Belgium are defending deep and soaking up the pressure.
7:39pm
40 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Kante reads a Dembele pass before he's even made it and starts a counter-attack. France gets to Belgium's box but Griezmann's shot is closed down and blocked. But now Mbappe is on the edge of the box and disguises a pass inside to Pavard! He's one on one with the goalkeeper! COURTOIS SAVES! Brilliant from the goalkeeper!
7:37pm
38 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Great move to France! they fire quick one-touch passes to beat the press and Griezmann sprints forward! Matuidi runs ahead of him but Griezmann doesn't play the pass early enough and then decides to shoot. He drags it wide.
Giroud has taken a knock in that move and is receiving treatment for it.
7:35pm
36 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Dembele gives the ball away and then does his classic Spurs move of ensuring the person who profits from that is stopped quickly. Griezmann gets a free-kick and in classic Spurs style, Dembele isn't booked. He's really clever with those. Never pulls the shirt, just does enough to stop you running.
7:34pm
34 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France attack, Griezmann can't find Giroud with a cross but then has a chance to shoot soon after and smashes over from 20 yards on his right foot.
Kante carries the ball about 50 yards but his pass to Giroud is poor. Never mind, France wins it back straight away, a chipped pass over the top plays in Mbappe, who crosses and Giroud doesn't time his finish well and gets the connection all wrong.
7:32pm
32 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
It goes short to Pavard - DISGUISE! - and he hits a cross into the area. Giroud has to dive towards his own goal, away from Belgium's, to meet it and his header is headed towards the top corner! Just wide. Great effort.
Hazard comes down the left, rides two definite fouls and then shows the kind of skill that makes you stand to your feet while typing a live blog because it's so good. Quick feet, close control at high speed. God, he's good. Goal kick.
7:30pm
30 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Mbappe goes tumbling and wins a free-kick. The referee is very clear with Vertonghen and tells him not to do that again. Griezmann can hit this into the area from about 35/40 yards.
7:27pm
28 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
France drop deep as Belgium have the ball, Mbappe tries to dribble his way out but gives possession away and this could cost France! De Bruyne is wide left, hits a low cross into the area and if it wasn't for Umtiti's clearance, Lukaku was in! Great defending.
7:25pm
26 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Fellaini heads the corner away at the near post. France win it back, Matuidi is into the box... cuts it back... but the ball has gone behind for a goal kick.
7:24pm
24 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
France slows things down for a bit and passes around until all their players are in Belgium's half. Kante carries it and things have opened up all of a sudden! Alderweireld blocks to give away a
corner.
7:22pm
22 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
De Bruyne curls in another cross from wide left and Varane deals with it, throwing himself at the header to put it behind for a corner. Belgium is in control of this game at the moment.
WHAT A SAVE BY LLORIS! Brilliant! The corner is sent in, lands at the feet of Lloris' Spurs teammate Alderweireld and hehe shoots with power towards the top corner. Lloris sees it late but dives and claws it away with his top hand.
7:19pm
20 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Matuidi tries a hit from 20 yards, catches it well but it's down the middle and Courtois can catch!
Belgium come forward now, Hazard cuts in from left to right, goes past Pavard and tries a shot... it comes off ahead and flies just over the bar! Corner to Belgium.
It's cleared at the near post, Belgium keep up the pressure, the ball is crossed towards Fellaini and Lloris punches!
Great game so far.
7:17pm
18 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
France taking their turn to enjoy possession now and Mbappe tries to burst past Hazard and Vertonghen on the right wing. Hazard is back doing his defensive duties though and it's out for a throw.
7:15pm
16 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
So close to Belgium! De Bruyne runs onto a loose ball, tucks a lovely little pass on the volley into Hazard and his shot is just wide of the far post. Belgium looks really good here.
7:13pm
14 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
That is absolutely brilliant from Pogba. Chadli gives a pass away, Griezmann lays it off and Pogba completely bins Dembele with a stepover and shift of balance, burns to the halfway line and then sends Mbappe away with a through-ball. He's quick and he might make this... he has! Mbappe is behind the last man but Courtois comes off his line and smothers before Mbappe can reach it.
7:11pm
12 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Great one-touch play by Matuidi. France link passes and gets into the final third with Griezmann but nobody controls Hernandez's cross and Belgium get away with it.
7:09pm
10 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Look how deep France are sitting. They're just letting Belgium pass the ball around, staying patient.
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
That's Giroud as the furthest player forward.
7:07pm
8 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Belgium making the pitch and nice and big and passing around. Hazard is up to all sorts of tricks and looks really fired up for this.
7:06pm
6 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Hazard is causing problems down the left and taking advantage of Mbappe not tracking back. He wins a corner.
I think Belgium is a 3-3-3-1 in the attack, which you can sort of see here.
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Chadli's corner goes straight out for a goal kick.
7:04pm
4 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
Kante tries a long switched pass to the right wing but Pavard can't get there and Belgium have men over now! Chadli is wide right and tries a cross which bounces behind for a throw.
Belgium come forward again and De Bruyne tries a curling cross into the area... it just needs a touch! But nobody anticipates and France can clear. Belgium is going for it early on!
7:02pm
2 mins - France 0 Belgium 0
It's an exciting start! Mbappe goes past a couple of players on the right and pings the ball into the midfield but Belgium's defense deals with the danger.
Belgium have lined up exactly as I predicted earlier, with the exception being De Bruyne is wide right and Lukaku is a central striker.
7:00pm
KICK OFF
HERE WE GO!
6:58pm
The starting lineups one more time
6:57pm
National anthems
France has definitely "won" this. Thierry Henry doesn't know what to do with himself, president Macron looks on from the stands. I don't think he'll have him beheaded if France loses... but I'm just saying let's not rule that out.
And now time for the official football anthem:
Or at least it will be if Fifa bothers to reply to my letters.
6:55pm
Scenes in Brussels
CREDIT: REUTERS
Looks quite busy. I wonder how many of them will be flinging pints into the air so they can get on the TV?
6:54pm
Here come the players
But who's going to win?
Rio Ferdinand
"I fancy France"
Alan Shearer
"Belgium for me. Just"
6:48pm
The warm-ups
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
CREDIT: REUTERS
Christian Karambeu has just been asked on camera whether France will win the World Cup. "I hope so!" he says. The presenter waits a few moments with another question before asking him again.
"I hope so!"
All I can think of is the scene in Dumb and Dumber when Harry - on fire - screams "for god's sake just give me the damn number!"
6:43pm
Jurgen Klinsmann on Fellaini
"You don't wanna deal with it, this fella here. You don't want to play against him, have physical contact with him".
6:40pm
Traitor!
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
How do you think Thierry Henry's coping just now? Assistant coach at Belgium, a former World Cup winner with their opponents tonight.
Henry's spent a lot of time coaching Lukaku in particular and I, for one, would love to know what he's like as a coach. It's so rare that great players can explain to others what makes them so good.
6:38pm
France's World Cup record
6:35pm
The BBC reckons it's 3-4-3
With Dembele and Chadli at wing-backs. I don't believe it and am sticking with my 4-3-3 prediction.
Dembele and Chadli at wing-back are mental.
6:33pm
Belgium's World Cup record
6:29pm
Kylian Mbappe
CREDIT: FIFA
This is a great read from our man Jeremy Wilson.
Tipped to be football's next global superstar, Kylian Mbappe is already an inspiration to a new, modern France
The France captain, Hugo Lloris, can see similarities with how Mbappe and also his Tottenham team-mate, and England's captain, Harry Kane have a mentality that allows them to remain unaffected by what can now be frenzied attention. “Kylian’s been the same old person, he stays true to himself, he smiles, he’s relaxed,” said Lloris. “He has a bright future ahead but he is also very aware that, when the opportunity knocks on the door, you must seize it. The entire world saw him shine against Argentina. He’s ready.”
6:26pm
Where is tonight's game?
6:14pm
Inside the dressing room
CREDIT: FIFA
6:11pm
Deschamps looking to keep things tight tonight
1 - Blaise Matuidi attempted (61) & completed the most passes (55) in the last encounter between France 🇫🇷 & Belgium 🇧🇪 in June 2015 (3-3). He also made the most recoveries among the French players (8). Charo. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/u8cN2ZN0JC— OptaJean (@OptaJean) July 10, 2018
The inclusion of Matuidi tonight suggests Deschamps is fairly concerned about the team he has to play. France is only ever a 4-3-3 against Strong opponents (capital S on purpose) and usually lineup in a 4-2-3-1. Griezmann is incredibly effective as a 10 but finds himself shunted out onto the left wing as a result of this tactical switch. Belgium can, therefore, afford to be a little more offensive if France is planning on making things slow and muddy in midfield and defense then relying on the counter-attack.
6:06pm
How France play
Before the tournament began I made these videos looking at how they would play. This one has held up, surprisingly!
World Cup tactics: France's lightning-quick attack
6:02pm
England players will be watching tonight
View image on Twitter
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
That feeling when you've got a World Cup semi-final tomorrow...
They've got a tricky game against Croatia to deal with first but they'll be paying close attention to tonight's match just in case.
5:57pm
This is excellent
View image on Twitter
5:54pm
What is Belgium's lineup
The Belgian FA seems to think Belgium is a 3-5-2... with Dembele at right-back. I have a feeling Martinez might run into a bit of trouble with that.
It could also be a 3-3-3-1... will it work?
View image on Twitter
The team news from Saint Petersburg has arrived...
5:49pm
France starting lineup
And here it is. Looks like Deschamps has gone for a more cautious (surprise...) approach tonight, playing Matuidi, Kante, and Pogba in midfield.
France
Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Pogba, Matuidi, Kante; Griezmann, Giroud, Mbappe
5:44pm
Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Juventus!
This isn't particularly relevant to tonight's game but what a piece of news this!
Cristiano Ronaldo joins Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to join Juventus after the Italian champions agreed on a fee of around £88m with Real Madrid, bringing an end to a hugely successful nine-year stay at the Bernabeu.
The 33-year-old had hinted after Real’s third successive Champions League final triumph in May that he was keen to leave Spain and, with Manchester United reluctant to enter the bidding, he has decided to move to Serie A.
Ronaldo, who was once again Portugal’s star player as they exited the World Cup in the round of 16 following defeat to Uruguay, had always maintained that he wanted to rejoin United, but that move has failed to materialize and it is not thought manager Jose Mourinho was keen on the deal.
5:37pm
Belgium starting lineup
The teams are in! Or at least Belgium's seems to be judging by this tweet:
Which would make this something of a 4-3-3, De Bruyne as a false nine and Chadli as a right-back?
That'll become a three-man defense when Belgium have the ball with Witsel possibly dropping a little shorter and Vertonghen staying wide left as a center-back, taking the ball into midfield.
5:30pm
Brazil is gone
Long gone! And it was Belgium who put them out in a result that shocked a lot of the world. Except for Belgium. And many other places. Perhaps you were un-shocked too.
This is how the world reacted to that momentous result.
5:21pm
Quiz question
Which former St Johnstone, Clyde and Hamilton player could win the World Cup with Belgium? That would be Graeme Jones of course!
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
He's an assistant coach to Martinez having, presumably, met him along his journeyman career through the lower leagues of England and the very top in Scotland.
5:16pm
Does it really even matter if you have possession?
I enjoyed this article from slightly earlier in the World Cup and the numbers hold up. It's changing a wee bit now, especially with two teams like France and Belgium left.
5:05pm
Fans are enjoying themselves
CREDIT: TASS
CREDIT: REUTERS
CREDIT: TASS
The streets are full of supporters on their way to the stadium and it looks really fun.
5:02pm
Happy World Cup semi-final day!
Hello! Good evening and welcome to our live blog for what promises to be an unpredictable, exciting mega game!
In the blue corner we have France, previous winners of the trophy and with a squad blessed with pace, skill, cunning and managed by a determined, dogged ball-winner of a manager.
Opposite in the red zone is Belgium, international no-ones but with a first team featuring some of the very best players in each position in the entire world, managed by a confusing, ambitious tactics-fan of a coach.
Who will win? I have absolutely no idea. You could tell me any score and I'd believe it. 1-0. 4-3. 2-2. All of them seem believable.
France has youth on their side but Didier Deschamps does his best to keep them organized and won't let them run wild and free. Kylian Mbappe is the standout but N'Golo Kante is probably their most important player. Eden Hazard admitted earlier in the week that playing with Kante on form gives you a 95 percent of winning the match.
Paul Pogba hasn't really turned up yet, Antoine Griezmann hasn't shown what he's capable of either and Olivier Giroud, it turns out, does a whole lot more for the team than a lot of people ever seemed to notice.
Belgium is interesting. They haven't played well except for the previous match in which Martinez tweaked his system ever so slightly to more of a back four, dropped Carrasco and Mertens and discovered that by pushing De Bruyne - perhaps one of the best four players in the world - into advanced positions, he was quite good at football. NOBODY SAW IT COMING.
The teams will be in soon (probably about six) and we can start working out the approach both managers will take tonight from there. Until then, stay with us for all the build-up a soccer fan could ask for.
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