Belgium is looking to make it to the World Cup Final for the first time ever. The Red Devils were seen as one of the most talented teams in the world heading into this year’s World Cup, but the question was whether or not they could put it all together. They have certainly looked the part to this point, and now the small country believes that anything is possible after upsetting Brazil in the Quarterfinals to make it to just their second World Cup Semifinal ever. The only thing left between the Belgians and the World Cup Final now is France.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Semifinals Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Belgium +202
France +150
Draw +224
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
France has looked sharp during its five games at the World Cup, grabbing a result each time out. The French had no trouble topping a group that included Peru, Australia, and Denmark, and they dominated Argentina in the Round of 16 despite only winning the match 4-3.
Les Bleus looked set to knock out every South American team at the World Cup aside from Colombia after their win over Uruguay on Friday. Uruguay did not have star forward Edinson Cavani in the game and struggled to make things happen up top with Luis Suarez. France’s defense not only snuffed out Uruguay’s attack and helped secure a clean sheet, but it struck first blood too thanks to a Raphael Varane header in the 40th minute. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 61st minute, and then France sat back to defend its lead the rest of the way.
The French were expecting to play their fourth South American team in Brazil, but Belgium had something to say about that. The Belgians are the only team left at the tournament to win every match in regulation and topped a group that included England, Tunisia, and Panama. They gave us the best comeback of the World Cup with a 3-2 win over Japan at the death in the Round of 16, but their best performance yet came against the favored Brazilians.
Belgium looked fantastic on the counter against Brazil, and they got a little help from their foes too. The first goal of the game was the result of a mistake by Fernandinho, who tried to clear a corner and instead headed the ball into the back of his own net. That put the pressure on Brazil to level, but Kevin De Bruyne was able to double Belgium’s lead a short time later with a fantastic goal on the counter. From there, Belgium was able to hang on and pick up a 2-1 victory.
Player to Watch
Eden Hazard was fantastic in the victory over Brazil. Hazard did not get on the scoresheet, but he set up numerous chances for his teammates and constantly led the charge whenever Belgium was able to gain possession. He looked sharp until he visibly ran out of gas in the final minutes of the game, and he will be asked to play the same way here.
Matchup to Watch
You could make the case that the two most impressive forwards at the World Cup have been Kylian Mbappe and Romelu Lukaku. Although neither player is likely to win the Golden Boot, each has flourished in Russia with multiple performances to remember. Mbappe was electric against Argentina, continually harassing their outmatched back line, while Lukaku did all the little things in Belgium’s win over Japan. These two might both have big performances on Tuesday.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Coming into this match, France has a bit of a leg up. The French will welcome back Blaise Matuidi after a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation, while Belgium will be without Thomas Meunier for the same reason. Still, I think that Belgium will be able to carry the day thanks to its midfield play and the smarts of Lukaku.
World Cup Semifinals Odds: Belgium 2, France 1
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