last belguim game everyone said "oh lukaku this, lukaku tha" well like i said and some of you didnt agree, lukaku is limited and not a complete forward, he is best when playing open/counter running at defenders. france dont need to do that because kante and matuidi cover so much space that the back 4 dont get expose and varane is faster then most forward anyways. lukaku is an OK player but nothing special, specially vs great defense and france is really playing with 4 CB w pavard and lucas.
Kante 6.7? I know whoscored has an algorithm and it's difficult to judge defensive players but he should have gotten AT LEAST and 8. Also, Martinez had a terrible game plan from the beginning. Mertens absolutely should have started and Batshuayi should have came on 15 mins earlier. I know Fellaini had a poor game but to take him off at that stage is such poor coaching, especially if the game plan late on was to send the ball into the box. Fellaini did actually have that one good chance and if he had stayed in he could have caused some trouble playing along side Lukaku.
@Calcio_Guy Kante's main asset is team ethic.. positioning. I also notice one touch tackling and intercepting is a bit underrated. The opponent tends to avoid taking Kante on too as they know he will dispossess him. So he blocks them into wide areas a lot, but gets no points for it. There's no real system to value Kante, so I don't blame Whoscored. He's really good of course.
@Calcio_Guy + yellow to Kante. Not 8, but neither 6.7, something in between. in my opinion Blaise was the best yesterday, not mbappe (but dribbling makes a difference in whoscored as we know).
@jackplazma Kante protected the defence the best..and both CB's were excellent. Matuidi played well, not as good as Kante however. Matuidi had a lot more license to attack.
Great work by Pogba to support the central backs tonight, and sharp defensive play overall from the French side. Sad to witness the lack of sportsmanship from the part of a future star like Mbappe, however. He could have been the player of the tournament, but this behavior should definitely put an end to that conversation. Some said below this semi-final was like the World Cup final. Well, it was: a flat game overall, not very exciting. France will be a very tough challenge for England this weekend. (Oh wait... it could be Croatia...)
Most of you guys think things like "Lukaku did not play a good game" "KDB did not play well" and do not think about the quality of the defense they face. France has an amazing defense. Solid back line supported by solid defensive midfielders. Conceading only 9 shots against the best attack (in my opinion) of the tournament, only 3 on target. Suddenly Argentina doesn't look so pathetic after seeing Belgium and Uruguay crash against the wall.
@T0ny04 France defense is good but it is not that great. Uruguay didn't have Cavani and those two didn't play well. Even Hazard missed key passes that could have led to shots. Lukaku hasn't been the same since he hurt his ankle.
why did I keep seeing Nacer Chadli making corner kicks for Belgium in the first half? De Bruyne and Hazard can make
corner kicks. One of Chadli's corner kicks sailed over everyone to the other side of the field. Belgium had four corner kicks
in the first half and France had none. Belgium could have been up a goal at the half from a corner kick goal with 4 chances and accurate kicks.
Nothing much between two good teams, but I want to know how Varane's performance - up there with anybody's, and crucial to France's win - was measured as worthy of 6.98? Makes the system look very much flawed.
Similar teams in terms of quality. Maybe even the best in this tournament. France, however, won only because it has not only the best offensive but also the defensive.
When you have Lukaku and Fellaini and you're struggling to create chances, the solution seems pretty obvious, just go direct: longballs, balls over the top and crosses. No one cares if you win ugly. Belgium didn't do that until Mertens came on on the right. I wish managers would just swallow their pride sometimes; anyway what's the point of playing Fellaini as a no.10 if you aren't going to use his strengths? And that's beside the obvious mistake of starting De Bruyne on the right.
@What4 yeah exactly, Belgium only went direct against Japan 2-0 down and then were all over Japan with direct play. Today Belgium had a bad plan and executed it even worse. They needed fellaini on near the end for direct play and should have gone direct easier with de bruyne struggling badly
France has a brilliant coach, this has been the WC of Counterattacking football. Let the other team play (they can't score) then go at it full speed on the counter. I don't particularly like it but you must give credit to the winner.
After this WC Fifa needs to do something about abusing your colonies though. What France does is no different than if Spain were to say all of Latin America was once a colony therefore all their talent could get Spanish citizenship and play for Spain. Imagine James, Falcao, Cuadrado, Cavani, Suarez, Vidal, Sanchez, all for Spain.
It's absurd, unfair to the ex-colonies who will never be able to build a good team, and an unfair advantage to the competition who never had colonies to boost their population of football talent. If international football is about representing your country than the players too have to represent it.
@tkr You have a point: put the other way around, this World Cup is a tough blow on possession football. The best possession teams - Germany, Spain - suffering early exists, Russia and Sweden making it to the quarter-finals, France winning today by conceding the ball to Belgium for a large part of the game, and so on.
@tkr I am not shure if France's coach had to.brilliant to play like that. If you have really good wingers and defence men but basically zero great midfielders, there is only one way you can go. In group stages nobody thought he did well as a coach and if one of the several chances of Belgium in the first 35 minutes would have gone in, he also wouldn't have been considered a great coach but gotten sh..t in France for failing with so many talents. If you score a lucky goal and the opponent only hits the post you are praised for good coaching. If instead you hit the post and the opponent scores lucky, you are a failure...
@neumi17 I agree that France was trash in the Group Stages but they got easy opponents and only played for results.He's a great coach because he has a clear game plan and his team executes it perfectly, most notably against Argentina. They scored 3 in 10 minutes and played D the rest of the game. France could never do that trying to play football, it was all tactics against a team they knew had 0 defense and wanted to play the ball, straight into Deschamp's counter-attacking hands. That alone gets him 5 stars for the rest of the tournament.
@tkr If all those players were born in Spain then yeah they could play for Spain. You should look at England who have 5 Jamaican born players. Most of France's team was born in France while their parents were not.
@adddaaaammmmm- In the current squad, only Raheem Sterling was born in Jamaica (and emigrated here when he was 5). Other than him, John Barnes and Luther Blissett were born in Jamaica so 3 full international players.
@adddaaaammmmm Being born in France doesn't necessarily make you French. The colonial history is what made that happen, so the spirit of the argument remains valid. They only get away with it because they've systematized it such that they can use legal semantics to cover exactly the same thing as what Spain would do in my hypothetical.
@Davisson It's not always about goals and assists. The golden ball goes to the best player,not the best scorer. And Hazard has 2 goals and 2 assists. He was the most entertaining and mesmerizing player of the tournament
What a great game! Belgium started strongly but in the end it was France who got more dangerous chances. Another game decided by set piece which is how over 40 % of tournaments goals have been made. France nullified Belgium's strengths well and after goal they never really didn't look like conceding, great defending by whole team. Belgium weren't good enough in the end, they weren't able to find enough space in front of France's defense. Hazard was their best performer, very modest player who never complains to referee and leads by examble. He was dangerous on the left but Belgium lack good wing back/full back on the left who could keep their game wide and also defend properly.
@Castle It was a great game until the 60 th minute. But than Belgium couldn't produce anything dangerous anymore, de Bruyne became very weak and in the last 15-20 minutes Belgium did nothing anymore but a lot of easy mistakes. The first half was great, the second rather weak. In general I find it disappointing that a team like France only had one good game and played the rest of the world cup very defensive. Despite having great players ...
@neumi17 It's called being smart, full credit to the coach. Belgium has a great counter-attacking unit too but they hogged the ball too much and never got to create any chances on the counter. France wouldn't let that happen and they gave the ball away deep to let Belgium waste their possession and burn the clock. A KO tournament winner has to be able to play mediocre and still win, which France is very good at. Possession against a good counter-attacking team can only work if you can outplay them, which Belgium couldn't. Argentina did but they never prepared for the WC and have 0 defense so it's just not good enough, they ate 3 goals in 10min and couldn't outscore that.
a nation can not win a world cup by being best in that wc only. they have to suffer year after year, wc after wc and only then they win one. if belgium keep producing players like these and keep focus they will win wc one day. only exception is neverlands. they will never win. this doesnt mean england will win. because england never even gone close to winning. the one time they won was by cheating germany with a goal-line goal.
@HoopHoop That 'goal-line' goal has been proven to have gone over the line using modern technology. Keep the chip on your shoulder if you want, but do at least keep up to date.
@HoopHoop LOL Neverlands, that's a good one. They could have beaten Argentina in 1978 but Cruyff refused to go b/c Argentina had a dictator. They would have demolished Argentina in the final..
Brazil deserverd to be in this match, not lucky belgium. All because the suspension of Casemiro.
If not because of injury of donkey flop Koscielny, the retard of Deschamps wouldn`t play Umtiti.
@patapalo belgium lost meunier too which basically destroyed the coach's formation and tactics against france had meunier been on the field maybe belguim would have won
@patapalo You call a suspension lucky? Well maybe Casemiro shouldn't have got those yellow cards. Belgium wasn't lucky, they pulled a tactical masterclass. Brazil never deserved to win that match.
Poor game from Belgium. Didn't like their initial system with KDB on the right, he should have started in central midfield. Didn't agree with taking Fellaini off either..he was always going to become more of a threat as France dropped deeper. Thought De Bruyne had a really bad game, but he was played on the right and never found confidence after that..even when he moved to central mid. Lukaku had a bad game. Varane was excellent , Umtiti and Kante. Hazard was Belgium's only shining light, he had a good game (although should have been sent off for two late challenges on Matuidi late on..both could have been yellows on their own). Alderweireld I thought was poor and tried to get forward too much second half and ruined Belgium's balance. Giroud defended well, but poor going forward. Mbappe did ok. Ultimately the difference was the set piece, but France deserved it. Martinez will be rueing his tactics at the start with De Bruyne on the right wing and Chadli struggled at right back.
@Champion KDB and Lukaku weren't particularly bad. France's tactics was perfect and stymied them completely, that's all. They need space to run and they didn't have any, well played France.
@Gronounours- Lukaku was terrible, like he often is in important games. The man is 6'3", fast and strong but in big games he turns into a 5'3" weakling with rickets. De Bruyne should have been given all dead ball responsibility, that may have helped get him involved more. How Chadli got given corner duty is beyond me. With Belgium's aerial threat in the box, a good delivery was needed from corners but all 5 were terrible.
This won't be the popular choice but I would give Varane MOTM, He seems to be single handedly on the end of every ball that KDB or Hazard put into the box. There was also the header in the first half to push a vicious Hazard shot over the cross bar.
Mbappe was also great and definitely their best attacking threat, but he never managed to actually score or create the decisive moment. Where as I feel without Varane Belgium would have definitely scored.
France played it safe and deserved to win. Belgium was not creative enough and Lukaku was absolutely useless.
But seriously now, even from a neutral point of view, these matches get too stressful by the end due to the amount of diving and time wasting. Every single match is the same thing, doesn't matter which team.
@neumi17 it's frustrating to watch Mbappe and Neymar get rewarded for their antics with praise while Hazard gets wrecked outside the box with no foul. France was the better team though Hazard was the best player besides Varane
@neumi17 the way he touches the ball dude, how he dribbles, the selfconfidence, love it. France were the better team. Nothing from Lukaku, KDB, Hazard was their best player.
@koevasd123 Yes shure but Griezmann had only one dribble in the game. Maybe you like his style of game in general but tonight there was not much to see from him. But if he is your favourite player, fair enough...
Evenly matched in the first half.Only thing is that Dembele of Belgium should be substituted aASAP.He is holding opponents shirts every time.Results in freekicks which is France'speciality.He may cost Belgium the game.
Loving the Dynamic on the flank where Hazard and Mbappe are looking to exploit the space left by the other. It's exciting and both have delivered being the two best players on the pitch for the first 45 minutes.
I think everything is on coaches for this one. Both squads are incredibly talented. Elite players in every positions. It will be all about tactics. For those saying that Hazard or De Bruyne will dominate the game just remember that Kante has the power to make one of them disappear from the equation just like he did to Messi vs Argentina. If Belgium plays possession they might lose it because France is really good in counters. If they park the bus and wait for France to lose the ball I think they win because they too are extremely dangerous on counters. I think the team trying to play possession will lose.
@T0ny04 Yeah you were right. But more possession gave a more opportunity. That what France did. But I am happy ro see both teams played well. Except Belgium didn't score where they were fav to win just because they scored more than any team in WC2018.
@T0ny04 We all know France's tactics: they'll play it safe and hope to score from counter attack, long ball or set piece. Deschamps is politely said cautiois coach. He's been unable to find replacement for Payet and hasn't been able to improve France on creating chances through possession. That could make them unable to take advantage of Belgium having no true full backs available! One reason for their conservative tactics could be missing Koschielny, their best ball playing CB. Varane and Umtiti are comfortable with the ball, but are used to let Ramos and Pique make the opening passes. However, for many France seems to be the safest bet for champions after the safest option Brazil crashed out. I agree that France are a safe option in manner that we know exactly what we'll get from them. Belgium, contrary, have showed much more potential and tactical adjustment, despite Martinez haven't got every desicion right. You're right that both teams are dangerous in the counter...
@Castle but I expect Belgium to win even if they try to get possession from the start. But bo doubt this will be exciting and quite tight match with some surprises too :)
@T0ny04 True, but because I'm routing for France, belgium is out of their depth. belgium's defense does not have the quality to control the likes of mbappe and griezmann. Similarly to argentina, france will probably dominate the attacking portion of the game, and unless hazard or debruyne have the game of their lives France will probably advance to the finals.
It is more dangerous to play against a team than to play against stars but it is more deadly to play against a team of stars. Belgium has no size in this tournament. Lukaku has exhibited the spirit of team football to us a lot in this tournament, eg, his selflessness that made Chadli to score the winner against Japan, his performance against Brazil can not be forgotten. Lukaku is a striker but if you are smart and understand him as a fellow forward, he will make you score even more goals. France 1- 2 Belgium.
@Buddy7 I lost my money because I had placed my bet even before I posted this comment and I didn't come back to read till now. It would have been hard to believe though. The France coach is a class. He took Lukaku out of the game using Varane and Hazard was only able to dribble away from the 18 yard box but when he gets closer, they marked him out.
@andy355 Take France to go through. Btts. France ind total 1 over. France will score in the second half. Giroud to score. Hazard to score. These options are pretty good.
@Eben В составе Франции тоже достаточно звезд. Преимущество французов в полузащите. А это многое решает в таких матчах. Стабильность и прагматизм - вот ключ к успеху в этом матче. Чего не о скажешь о Белгии. Красные дьяволы могут как обыграть любую сборную так и потерять концентрацию и напропускать кошелку голов. Лично я сам болею за Англию и в финале хотелось бы пару Англия Бельгия, но на данный момент сборная Франции чуть более зрелая что ли, и по этой причине в финал пройдут они.
come on you belgium weirdos. I believed in you from the start @ 11/1. Don't let me down now. But here is my serious review of the game. This for me is a 50/50. They have equally strong players in every position that can change matches. Their defences are both strong when needed. Their set pieces and ability to get goals from headers has been shown in this tournament from both teams. The only plus is Belgium have is Lukaku, which is much more powerful than Giroud and can beat a man for pace. By that single bit of advantage I'm gonna go for Belgium to qualify! Plus they're the underdogs. Would also be nice to see a new team win it. Fuck off home ya frogs, good day everyone :)
France should start with Tolisso over Matuidi. Matuidi was poor against Argentina and gave poor defensive balance too. He also made two errors on the first two goals. France looked much more comfortable with Tolisso and he ought to start.
Surely France in the final where they will face Croatia, but both team to score. 2-1, maybe 1-1 and extra. Belgium did well and it’s time to go home. I like the way they play but unfortunately France will pass. Experience will play a huge role on that stage.
@Buddy7 Exactly, experience will.play a large role. And that's why Deschamps said, that his team is not ready yet, because for many important players it is their first world cup or even the first tournament. Experience wise Belgium has the edge....
@Buddy7 Maybe past generations did. This France team misses Koschielny who would have led their defense and obviously Payet, their creator in chief. They would have brought the experience you mentioned. Otherwise this team lacks experiense and leadership in particular. Belgium have underperformed in previous tournaments but are the best prepared team in the tournament and tactically most flexible which should make up for their slightly narrower squad (full backs particularly) compared to France.
@Buddy7 I have seen no team more confident than Belgium yet, especially since they have been on the lucky side. Also they can play counter attack as well as possession type football. I think France is more scared of Belgium than vice versa.
Everyone going with a GG..don't be surprised one of them might not score ...surely over 2.5 yellow cards, over 9 corners and definitely over 9 shots on target too
France - Belgium are the two best teams so far and way better in technical terms and skills than the rest. So I am glad, that the new world champion will win based on superior offensive skills and finesse and not because of stupid long balls, headers or defensive play. Long live the beauty of skillful football...
@neumi17- The only teams who have played 'good' football this tournament have done so, for the most part, against teams who were themselves attacking: Belgium vs Tunisia (who needed to win therefore played relatively open- which they did not by any measure against England), Japan & Brazil; Brazil themselves against Switzerland; Croatia against Nigeria & Argentina; France against Argentina and Mexico against Germany but.... Belgium were stodgy before Mertens' wonder strike against Panama; Brazil looked devoid of ideas against Costa Rica; Croatia were mediocre against Iceland; France were poor in every game prior to facing Argentina and Mexico looked clueless against Sweden.
@SteveHyland Yes, that's all true but they showed at least glimpse of skill and good football. England however couldn't even outplay Panama convincingly. They scored 6 goals but none was created by great play or individual talent. Actually this game reminded me of Germany's 8-0 vs Saudi-Araba in 2002. 5 goals were headers, one penalty, 2 free kicks. Nothing about that game was good except the result. France played terrible in the group stages but got better each game.
@neumi17 All four teams have relied heavily on set pieces so far as Croatia and Belgium scored from corner and England and France from free kicks last round. Same could happen again and it could be a huge factor in this match as both teams have good crossers and tall players. Offensively Belgium are best prepared team in the tournament by far and probably have most skillful players anyway so I hope to see them in the final. But France have very large and solid squad, so this should be quite close match. Also Meunier's absence is shame, he brings width and good crosses for Belgium team and is defensively reliable as well.
@Castle- This doesn't refer to you but there seems to be a snobbery around set piece goals, as though they count half that of an open play one, but if you face a team who sit deep and are determined to not let you play then open play opportunities will be scarce and being poor at attacking set pieces could ultimately cause your demise.
@SteveHyland There is nothing wrong with set pieces, in fact Germany lacked to practice them big time. But if your primary source of scoring results out of them and you game plan is based on them, you know you have a problem in the creative department. It is totally legitimate to get as far as possible with that approach but don't expect to get praised for it and please don't get the trophy.
@SteveHyland That's very true; if you don't have any threat in set pieces your opponent can foul you in their defensive third without much of a worries. But surprisingly many games in this tournament have been decided by set piece goal or at least included them. I'm not sure if it's about VAR as defenders are more careful not to foul attacking players or is it because teams have started to see them as a bigger opportunity to score. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how much set pieces influence in these last four games. Obviously people hope to see games decided by open play with a touch of individual skill.
@Castle Your first analysis is not correct. Belgium has scored 10 goals out of open play , 3 of those where counterattacks. They are leading in both areas. Only 2 goals were scored after set pieces ... Croatia has 7 goals out of open play and scored only ones after a set piece. France has still 5 goals scored out of open play and also only one set piece goal. The only team that relies almost entirely on set pieces is England. The only scored 3 goals out of open play ( 2 headers) but had goals after 5 set pieces and 3 penalties. So set pieces will only be a larger factor in the Croatia - England game. With the rest of your post I go along.
@neumi17 And not that it matters, but Belgium one could count (as WS) Belgium to have scored three goals from corners: Vertonghen, Fellaini and Fernandinho's own goal. But that only proves that Belgium have most dangerous scoring threat in pretty much every aspect.
@neumi17 England are indeed most dependent on set pieces I'm aware. For others, I was rather referring to last round. In tight games though, set pieces tend to play bigger role than usual, particularly with national teams since they don't have that much time to train together so they focus more on putting defense together. Belgium, as I tried to say, are big exception as their attack look quite honed, although couple of easy games in group stages can give slightly optimistic picture. Your point about Belgium's counter attacking threat is good one, however. If they manage to score first, it's very hard for France to come back as France attacking play isn't convincing and could easily concede even more like Brazil did.
With Meunier out, both sides have basically 3 attacking players vs 7 defensive. I don't think there's more than 1 goal in it, although obviously I hope for more.
"...absence of Thomas Meunier robs them of a key player down their right. Indeed, Belgium could struggle without the PSG man against France and it's likely Les Bleus will target Belgium's right flank in a bid to secure a World Cup final spot."
Target with what? With Matuidi's and Hernandez's terrifying offensive threat?? France can hurt Belgium with their counter attacks as their front three are playing well together but I'd see their right flank is much more dangerous because of Mbappe. Belgium can't give him much space behind their defense so particularly Vertonghen must be on his toes, whether as left back or left center back. Pavard has impressed as France's RB in this tournament but faces clearly his biggest test so far with Hazard, who has been quite incredible so far. I think France will focus on defending and hope they'll eventually get their chance. Belgium should try to score early as they did against Brazil since France lack creativity when having possession.
@Castle Yes Sensible. This match both team will focus on wingers. And I expecting France will play more possessive and physical to stop Belgium's Triangle. The team who start fast from starting will dominate because both teams similar in defense and attack. But playing style is different. Belgium succeed to score more Goals than France will be only difference even if France will score first Belgium will equalize somehow. Expecting awesome football from both teams.
Time for the lucky Belgium to go home (They should have sent home by Japan). Such an un-experienced bunch of players with overwhelmed ratting. When you seeing the jokes like Lukaku or Alderweireld, come on set us free please. France will to the job tonight 1:0 / 3:1
@ambrose You will only understand after the match result. Just tell me where France has more experienced players? Overrated and Jokes? Lol. Your comment makes me laugh.
@ambrose Every world champion had a lot of luck to get there. In 2014 Germany won 3 games they should have lost . Belgium played more convincingly than France, had a better build up, scores more goals and has more luck. New champion of the world = Belgium
@ambrose Lukaku a joke? Ironic when there is a player like Giroud on the other side.. And Alderweireld, just why? Belgium deserves to be there, they won against the Brazil, while the France won against the Uruguay without their best player
@Ouftey Lukaku is a joke for sure. Giroud is even worse but he is not overrated. Really make me sick when someone compares Lukaku with Drogba. Alder”weird” should go practise for several years more in Spanish league 2 with even not able to earn a regular spot in Atletico Madrid
@buthethi Every thing is wrong in that prediction. Giroud hasn't scored yet and is no threat in France's system at all as well as Pogba. And Belgium, as the top scoring team in this world cup ( 14 goals in 5 games ), won't score vs France, who had allowed 5 goals in 5 matches at all ?
Both France and Belgium have allowed too many goals. Argentina scored three open play goals on France and Australia one by a penalty kick. France shut out Peru, Denmark, and Uruguay without Cavani. Belgium let in two goals by Tunisia
and two more by. Japan. Belgium shut out Panama and England's backups. Brazil did score its goal against Belgium with superior execution. Neither team is a strong candidate for champion by defense results.
@Adorno The "best" team can lose. If Belgium or France concede 2 or 3 goals in the final, then Croatia or England
are likely to win, as it is unlikely either will allow 3 or 4 goals.
@ergtyr It is even more unlikely, that England will score a goal at all, yet very likely, that France or Belgium will score at least one or two. Quality wise they are lightyears above England and also better than Croatia, who will probably in the final.
@neumi17 England scored in each of its four friendly matches this calendar year and 4 of its 5 matches in this competition. England's backup lineup failed to score against Belgium's backup lineup. England is likely to receive corner kick chances against Belgium or France and it has scored from 3 corner kicks in this competition, against teams other than Panama, with two v. Tunisia and one v. Sweden. England can score against Belgium or France off a corner kick. England has a penalty kick goal in this competition, not against Panama, also, and many penalties have been called in it , so another penalty kick goal for England is possible. I do not see a shutout of England to be likely.
@ergtyr Yes, that is all true. But in most of those matches, friendly or competitive, England has hardly ever scored more than ones. I think the likelihood of especially Belgium scoring more goals vs England than the other way around is very high.
@Adorno If Belgium or France give up 2 or 3 goals in the final, then they are likely to lose it. Croatia and England
are unlikey to concede 3 or 4 goals.
Belgium don't want to waste this once-in-a-lifetime-chance so once they take the lead, they will go defensive and protect their lead anyhow. This might allow France to score a leveller, and then Belgium would score another one and seal the show. So, 2-1 belgium wins.
Belgium front trio against Brazil is scary as hell, we know bout that. But, can they did that if Casemiro played(Fernandinho was awful against Belgium, too offensive minded imo)? He did a great job as a shield protecting Brazil's back four from the group stage until round of 16. Don't forget that he also the one who protects Madrid back four thru their UCL hattrick. And last one, Tite used the wrong tactics in the 1st half, we saw how Belgium defense looks shaky since Douglas Costa and Firmino came in in the 2nd half. What do you guys think? Let's talk about football here. I love it.
@quayvo Simple because They Belgium did mistake against Japan in open play. So simple they scored two goals took lead and then kept defense good. What I am telling you is what you write is just half. Belgium did good in defense but their strength is that Forward Trio. In the second half, Belgium took so much pressure. They could play their real game. They could beat Brazil 3-1 or 4-1 or maybe 4-2. Don't you think about that?
@DedSec you got a point. And since the Brazil "reborn" era, i mean '94 WC, any team who beat Brazil before semifinal are going to the final. And lost in the final. So i think football is coming home lol. Seriously, England has many players who play in the same club and it seems really matter. Just look out of '06 Italy, '10 Spain, and '14 Germany
I still think this French team isn't as good as most people believe them to be. Doesn't feel like anyone specifically tested their weaknesses quite obvious prior and during the group stage of this tournament. Argentina managed to score three goals but were weak at the back and Uruguay were toothless with Cavani injured. I think Belgium will be the team to finally expose France and wouldn't be surprised if this is a 4-1 or 4-2 win for Belgium. If Belgium manage to replicate their performance against Brazil, France will surely lose.
@Lechiffre10 Yeah totally. They could even be won against Brazil with 4-1 or 3-1. But they focused on Backline on right time and kept them to manage 2-1. I am 100% agree with you. They will expose French Weaknesses in this game. Just look at France squad compare it with EURO 2016 squad. Against Argentina, the last two goals from France was coincident because Argentina was played with full back positioning while attacking. And against Uruguay, there was no Cavani-Suarez tag team. While Belgium suffered from Defense line against Japan. Unexpected but they had managed to score with attacks. Forward covered their weakness and right on next game they manage to handle their last mistake and weakness. It is why they are now in Semi-Final after Beat most top contender Brazil. I am sure France will next. Belgium 2-1 or 3-1 France.
I dont think its gonna be easy for france to have that lead, well this is a semi final credit brings these teams to this level and expect a tight game on both sides as individual talent might take some body home or keep staying. De bryuine and hazard and lukaku compared to pogba , griezmann and mbappe. I would go for lukaku and the group. I dont expect any side to win at 90 minutes. This game will be decided with penalties after 30 minutes extra time.
Belgium converted their weakness against Japan into Strength against Brazil the Defense Line. Courtois did well with Vincent Kompany and Chadli. But we forgot something here. Brazil's attempt on a shots on target is more than Belgium. Belgium survived through defense and goalie. And about France don't forget Cavani didn't played last game. So If anyone thinking Belgium is still vulnerable in defense it will be wrong guess. And the form of Triangular Hazard, Lukaku and De Bruyne will be match decider. I expecting more Physical Game from France here to stop Belgium Forward Line. France 1-2 Belgium on offence. :P
Carrasco isn't starting against France. He cant defend and you expect him to defend the side of Mbappe? Martinez isn't going to go back to the system that almost saw them lose to Japan. It will be a 4-3-3 again like it was against Brazil only this time Chadli replaces Meunier at RB and Dembele comes into midfield with Witsel and Fellaini.
I predicted before the tournamant that France will be the Champion. Last two WC i predicted thad Germany and Spain will win. But I hope we will have new WC winner between Belgium and Croatia. Mind say one, hart say other.
I have to agree with Carpena07 below, to me this game is like the unofficial final. Two outstanding teams, almost evenly matched up. Though France may be the favourite on paper (marginally), I expected Belgium's golden generation to get through here. France's midfield duo Kante-Pogba has been exceptional so far, but a forward line of Hazard-deBruyne-Lukaku will give nightmares to Lloris and France's centre backs.
@antonsmith I don't think so. England and Croatia are capable of giving either of these teams a good game. The final 4 is the strongest four. We will find out what the order is as there is a Final and a third place play off.
last belguim game everyone said "oh lukaku this, lukaku tha" well like i said and some of you didnt agree, lukaku is limited and not a complete forward, he is best when playing open/counter running at defenders. france dont need to do that because kante and matuidi cover so much space that the back 4 dont get expose and varane is faster then most forward anyways. lukaku is an OK player but nothing special, specially vs great defense and france is really playing with 4 CB w pavard and lucas.
Kante 6.7? I know whoscored has an algorithm and it's difficult to judge defensive players but he should have gotten AT LEAST and 8. Also, Martinez had a terrible game plan from the beginning. Mertens absolutely should have started and Batshuayi should have came on 15 mins earlier. I know Fellaini had a poor game but to take him off at that stage is such poor coaching, especially if the game plan late on was to send the ball into the box. Fellaini did actually have that one good chance and if he had stayed in he could have caused some trouble playing along side Lukaku.
@Calcio_Guy Kante's main asset is team ethic.. positioning. I also notice one touch tackling and intercepting is a bit underrated. The opponent tends to avoid taking Kante on too as they know he will dispossess him. So he blocks them into wide areas a lot, but gets no points for it. There's no real system to value Kante, so I don't blame Whoscored. He's really good of course.
@Calcio_Guy + yellow to Kante. Not 8, but neither 6.7, something in between. in my opinion Blaise was the best yesterday, not mbappe (but dribbling makes a difference in whoscored as we know).
@jackplazma Kante protected the defence the best..and both CB's were excellent. Matuidi played well, not as good as Kante however. Matuidi had a lot more license to attack.
Great work by Pogba to support the central backs tonight, and sharp defensive play overall from the French side. Sad to witness the lack of sportsmanship from the part of a future star like Mbappe, however. He could have been the player of the tournament, but this behavior should definitely put an end to that conversation. Some said below this semi-final was like the World Cup final. Well, it was: a flat game overall, not very exciting. France will be a very tough challenge for England this weekend. (Oh wait... it could be Croatia...)
Most of you guys think things like "Lukaku did not play a good game" "KDB did not play well" and do not think about the quality of the defense they face. France has an amazing defense. Solid back line supported by solid defensive midfielders. Conceading only 9 shots against the best attack (in my opinion) of the tournament, only 3 on target. Suddenly Argentina doesn't look so pathetic after seeing Belgium and Uruguay crash against the wall.
@T0ny04 France defense is good but it is not that great. Uruguay didn't have Cavani and those two didn't play well. Even Hazard missed key passes that could have led to shots. Lukaku hasn't been the same since he hurt his ankle.
why did I keep seeing Nacer Chadli making corner kicks for Belgium in the first half? De Bruyne and Hazard can make corner kicks. One of Chadli's corner kicks sailed over everyone to the other side of the field. Belgium had four corner kicks in the first half and France had none. Belgium could have been up a goal at the half from a corner kick goal with 4 chances and accurate kicks.
Mbappe is man of the match. lol.
Hazard played alone in attack... average performance by DeBruyne and Lukaku.
Nothing much between two good teams, but I want to know how Varane's performance - up there with anybody's, and crucial to France's win - was measured as worthy of 6.98? Makes the system look very much flawed.
Hazard, Umtiti, Matuidi and even Pogba were better than Mbappe.
@Davisson agreed. especially matuidi, who played mostly as dmf instead of pogba
Similar teams in terms of quality. Maybe even the best in this tournament. France, however, won only because it has not only the best offensive but also the defensive.
@Worldean If they had any good midfield they would have played differently.
When you have Lukaku and Fellaini and you're struggling to create chances, the solution seems pretty obvious, just go direct: longballs, balls over the top and crosses. No one cares if you win ugly. Belgium didn't do that until Mertens came on on the right. I wish managers would just swallow their pride sometimes; anyway what's the point of playing Fellaini as a no.10 if you aren't going to use his strengths? And that's beside the obvious mistake of starting De Bruyne on the right.
@What4 yeah exactly, Belgium only went direct against Japan 2-0 down and then were all over Japan with direct play. Today Belgium had a bad plan and executed it even worse. They needed fellaini on near the end for direct play and should have gone direct easier with de bruyne struggling badly
France has a brilliant coach, this has been the WC of Counterattacking football. Let the other team play (they can't score) then go at it full speed on the counter. I don't particularly like it but you must give credit to the winner. After this WC Fifa needs to do something about abusing your colonies though. What France does is no different than if Spain were to say all of Latin America was once a colony therefore all their talent could get Spanish citizenship and play for Spain. Imagine James, Falcao, Cuadrado, Cavani, Suarez, Vidal, Sanchez, all for Spain. It's absurd, unfair to the ex-colonies who will never be able to build a good team, and an unfair advantage to the competition who never had colonies to boost their population of football talent. If international football is about representing your country than the players too have to represent it.
@tkr You have a point: put the other way around, this World Cup is a tough blow on possession football. The best possession teams - Germany, Spain - suffering early exists, Russia and Sweden making it to the quarter-finals, France winning today by conceding the ball to Belgium for a large part of the game, and so on.
@tkr I am not shure if France's coach had to.brilliant to play like that. If you have really good wingers and defence men but basically zero great midfielders, there is only one way you can go. In group stages nobody thought he did well as a coach and if one of the several chances of Belgium in the first 35 minutes would have gone in, he also wouldn't have been considered a great coach but gotten sh..t in France for failing with so many talents. If you score a lucky goal and the opponent only hits the post you are praised for good coaching. If instead you hit the post and the opponent scores lucky, you are a failure...
@neumi17 I agree that France was trash in the Group Stages but they got easy opponents and only played for results.He's a great coach because he has a clear game plan and his team executes it perfectly, most notably against Argentina. They scored 3 in 10 minutes and played D the rest of the game. France could never do that trying to play football, it was all tactics against a team they knew had 0 defense and wanted to play the ball, straight into Deschamp's counter-attacking hands. That alone gets him 5 stars for the rest of the tournament.
@tkr If all those players were born in Spain then yeah they could play for Spain. You should look at England who have 5 Jamaican born players. Most of France's team was born in France while their parents were not.
@adddaaaammmmm- In the current squad, only Raheem Sterling was born in Jamaica (and emigrated here when he was 5). Other than him, John Barnes and Luther Blissett were born in Jamaica so 3 full international players.
@adddaaaammmmm Being born in France doesn't necessarily make you French. The colonial history is what made that happen, so the spirit of the argument remains valid. They only get away with it because they've systematized it such that they can use legal semantics to cover exactly the same thing as what Spain would do in my hypothetical.
@tkr @tkr "Being born in France doesn't necessarily make you French." ==> wrong, it does
@gomincha Legal semantics. Have you ever heard of Genetics?
Congrat to France making the final.For me Hazard should be player of tournament eaven thought Modric is playing great tournament.
@Ljhokk, well, Griezman has 3 goals and 2 assists.
@Davisson It's not always about goals and assists. The golden ball goes to the best player,not the best scorer. And Hazard has 2 goals and 2 assists. He was the most entertaining and mesmerizing player of the tournament
hala madrid :-)
if lord benzema was taken he would've smacked five in belgian goal
vv vv ARANE vv vv vvv v
hazard and courtois amazing players
@stefanm Yeah but wtf happened to the others? Looks like they drank too much vodka last night. LLoris also a MVP, those saves are as good as goals.
@stefanm lol
@HoopHoop LOL !!~
What a great game! Belgium started strongly but in the end it was France who got more dangerous chances. Another game decided by set piece which is how over 40 % of tournaments goals have been made. France nullified Belgium's strengths well and after goal they never really didn't look like conceding, great defending by whole team. Belgium weren't good enough in the end, they weren't able to find enough space in front of France's defense. Hazard was their best performer, very modest player who never complains to referee and leads by examble. He was dangerous on the left but Belgium lack good wing back/full back on the left who could keep their game wide and also defend properly.
@Castle It was a great game until the 60 th minute. But than Belgium couldn't produce anything dangerous anymore, de Bruyne became very weak and in the last 15-20 minutes Belgium did nothing anymore but a lot of easy mistakes. The first half was great, the second rather weak. In general I find it disappointing that a team like France only had one good game and played the rest of the world cup very defensive. Despite having great players ...
@neumi17 It's called being smart, full credit to the coach. Belgium has a great counter-attacking unit too but they hogged the ball too much and never got to create any chances on the counter. France wouldn't let that happen and they gave the ball away deep to let Belgium waste their possession and burn the clock. A KO tournament winner has to be able to play mediocre and still win, which France is very good at. Possession against a good counter-attacking team can only work if you can outplay them, which Belgium couldn't. Argentina did but they never prepared for the WC and have 0 defense so it's just not good enough, they ate 3 goals in 10min and couldn't outscore that.
Hazard was terrific. Lukaku and De Bruyne simply didn't perform at the required level today. That's one of the main reasons why Belgium lost.
@excalibur I have mentioned 1000 times this is the different between experienced players and those who are overrated
@excalibur, indeed.
FIFA should only reset the card count if it wasn't for time wasting.
a nation can not win a world cup by being best in that wc only. they have to suffer year after year, wc after wc and only then they win one. if belgium keep producing players like these and keep focus they will win wc one day. only exception is neverlands. they will never win. this doesnt mean england will win. because england never even gone close to winning. the one time they won was by cheating germany with a goal-line goal.
@HoopHoop That 'goal-line' goal has been proven to have gone over the line using modern technology. Keep the chip on your shoulder if you want, but do at least keep up to date.
@HoopHoop LOL Neverlands, that's a good one. They could have beaten Argentina in 1978 but Cruyff refused to go b/c Argentina had a dictator. They would have demolished Argentina in the final..
@HoopHoop well that one hurts the most, but haven't there been more offsides wrong goal calls for germany during the time being bitter still, well
This French team is a bunch of divers and cheats. Really hoping Croatia win it all.
@Lechiffre10, Real Madrid is a team of divers and cheaters too. So STFU.
@Lechiffre10 Sorry to tell you but most teams dive and time waste, so get used to it. I guarantee you if Croatia get the chance, they will dive.
@MessiGOAT True, but just a few do it so disgustingly obvious as Mbappe or Neymar.
Brazil deserverd to be in this match, not lucky belgium. All because the suspension of Casemiro. If not because of injury of donkey flop Koscielny, the retard of Deschamps wouldn`t play Umtiti.
@patapalo Yeah, defensive mid is so underrated. Casemiro is why RM win even when they play poorly.
@patapalo belgium lost meunier too which basically destroyed the coach's formation and tactics against france had meunier been on the field maybe belguim would have won
@patapalo You call a suspension lucky? Well maybe Casemiro shouldn't have got those yellow cards. Belgium wasn't lucky, they pulled a tactical masterclass. Brazil never deserved to win that match.
@patapalo Belgium were lucky they didn't have a ball-greedy, showboating, diving, cheating little twerp called Neymar in their squad.
How didn't the referee add more time with the French players wasting so much time in the end?
@MrNemobody They only extend the time when the team they want to win needs it. FIFA is known for its corruption so who knows what's really happening.
France won despite having Giroud in their team... congratulations.
@neumi17 Bad finisher but good support striker, Giroud is very important
@Thanh Is he like a Benzema then?
Poor game from Belgium. Didn't like their initial system with KDB on the right, he should have started in central midfield. Didn't agree with taking Fellaini off either..he was always going to become more of a threat as France dropped deeper. Thought De Bruyne had a really bad game, but he was played on the right and never found confidence after that..even when he moved to central mid. Lukaku had a bad game. Varane was excellent , Umtiti and Kante. Hazard was Belgium's only shining light, he had a good game (although should have been sent off for two late challenges on Matuidi late on..both could have been yellows on their own). Alderweireld I thought was poor and tried to get forward too much second half and ruined Belgium's balance. Giroud defended well, but poor going forward. Mbappe did ok. Ultimately the difference was the set piece, but France deserved it. Martinez will be rueing his tactics at the start with De Bruyne on the right wing and Chadli struggled at right back.
@Champion KDB and Lukaku weren't particularly bad. France's tactics was perfect and stymied them completely, that's all. They need space to run and they didn't have any, well played France.
@Gronounours- Lukaku was terrible, like he often is in important games. The man is 6'3", fast and strong but in big games he turns into a 5'3" weakling with rickets. De Bruyne should have been given all dead ball responsibility, that may have helped get him involved more. How Chadli got given corner duty is beyond me. With Belgium's aerial threat in the box, a good delivery was needed from corners but all 5 were terrible.
@SteveHyland Lukaku was shockingly bad I agree. Completely anonymous to be frank.
Resetting the card counting is stupidity... Time wasting ruled
hazard did everything possible in football what a player
@ik32 everything possible for a chelski player
@ik32 except score or assist, the two most important things for a forward
kante 6.7? should have been 7.8+
@OHMMYZ analyse for whoscored I mean with an algorithm
@OHMMYZ Defensive midfield is hard to analyse as it is a lot based on pressure, positioning and not diving in. He was excellent yes.
This won't be the popular choice but I would give Varane MOTM, He seems to be single handedly on the end of every ball that KDB or Hazard put into the box. There was also the header in the first half to push a vicious Hazard shot over the cross bar. Mbappe was also great and definitely their best attacking threat, but he never managed to actually score or create the decisive moment. Where as I feel without Varane Belgium would have definitely scored.
@Lucas_10 Varane was insane
@Lucas_10 Pogba neutralized Fellaini and Lukaku in the air which was impressive as well
@Lucas_10 Not an unpopular choice at all - Varane is defo my motm
@Lucas_10 Varan, Umtiti and Kante were excellent. Umtiti got the winner, so MOTM for me.
shud've been 2-0 but gratz france nonetheless ... MOTM king varane ... hala madrid
France played it safe and deserved to win. Belgium was not creative enough and Lukaku was absolutely useless. But seriously now, even from a neutral point of view, these matches get too stressful by the end due to the amount of diving and time wasting. Every single match is the same thing, doesn't matter which team.
Mbappe is a great footballer but his character is equally bad as Neymars.
@neumi17 it's frustrating to watch Mbappe and Neymar get rewarded for their antics with praise while Hazard gets wrecked outside the box with no foul. France was the better team though Hazard was the best player besides Varane
@Ersatz2018 Yeah it's pretty blatant when the Referee has decided that he will refuse to give a team a free kick near the penalty box.
@Ersatz2018 Hopefully Mbappe gets out of PSG and away from Neymar's bad influence.
@Ersatz2018 Dribbling gets you no where if you don't create a chance from it. Mbappe was more decisive and could've had 2 assists.
Belgium is playing stupid now, they give away to many easy balls
Time wasting at its finest.
How was that foul on Hazard not called?
@Lechiffre10 the referee didn`t do a good job in other, smaller episodes too.
@Lechiffre10 ridiculous decision. don't see how if VAR is being used a blatant free kick in that position can not be given
varane shows hazard who's the real boss ... the key word here is 'real'
varane the legend ...
Not a foul on Hazard, sure...
frogba being a clown as usual
Respect for both teams. France keep it up
Keep it up Matuidi !!! #ForzaJuve
giroud will tap another in. france 2-0 like i predicted ...
@HoopHoop How often do you want to embarrass yourself ? Hasn't it been enough ?
@neumi17 shut up barka boy ... my pick won ur pick lost.
@HoopHoop You don't understand, you always lose but just opening your mouth.
bogus barka umtiti scores instead ...
hala madrid star varane to hit the winner ...
Good match so far. Prolly the best so far this WC, as expected tho. Quality. France looks better the last 20 minutes. Griezmann so good...
@koevasd123 You think ? Griezmann had 23 touches so far. He had 2 good moments, the rest he was invisible so far.
@neumi17 the way he touches the ball dude, how he dribbles, the selfconfidence, love it. France were the better team. Nothing from Lukaku, KDB, Hazard was their best player.
@koevasd123 Yes shure but Griezmann had only one dribble in the game. Maybe you like his style of game in general but tonight there was not much to see from him. But if he is your favourite player, fair enough...
Evenly matched in the first half.Only thing is that Dembele of Belgium should be substituted aASAP.He is holding opponents shirts every time.Results in freekicks which is France'speciality.He may cost Belgium the game.
Loving the Dynamic on the flank where Hazard and Mbappe are looking to exploit the space left by the other. It's exciting and both have delivered being the two best players on the pitch for the first 45 minutes.
Very good first half with good opportunities for both teams. High quality football ...
embappe!!!!! what r u doing man??
embappe!!!!! what r u doing man??
Best dribbling of the tournament by Hazard !
Should be 0-2 or 1-3 after 30 minutes. Belgiums best half at this wc so far.
In the first 10 minutes Hazard and de Bruyne are just great.
Dembele starts, finally! Good thing for Belgium. Obviously not talkin about France's Dembele...
France 2 belgium 0
I think everything is on coaches for this one. Both squads are incredibly talented. Elite players in every positions. It will be all about tactics. For those saying that Hazard or De Bruyne will dominate the game just remember that Kante has the power to make one of them disappear from the equation just like he did to Messi vs Argentina. If Belgium plays possession they might lose it because France is really good in counters. If they park the bus and wait for France to lose the ball I think they win because they too are extremely dangerous on counters. I think the team trying to play possession will lose.
@T0ny04 Yeah you were right. But more possession gave a more opportunity. That what France did. But I am happy ro see both teams played well. Except Belgium didn't score where they were fav to win just because they scored more than any team in WC2018.
@T0ny04 We all know France's tactics: they'll play it safe and hope to score from counter attack, long ball or set piece. Deschamps is politely said cautiois coach. He's been unable to find replacement for Payet and hasn't been able to improve France on creating chances through possession. That could make them unable to take advantage of Belgium having no true full backs available! One reason for their conservative tactics could be missing Koschielny, their best ball playing CB. Varane and Umtiti are comfortable with the ball, but are used to let Ramos and Pique make the opening passes. However, for many France seems to be the safest bet for champions after the safest option Brazil crashed out. I agree that France are a safe option in manner that we know exactly what we'll get from them. Belgium, contrary, have showed much more potential and tactical adjustment, despite Martinez haven't got every desicion right. You're right that both teams are dangerous in the counter...
@Castle in short belgium gonna win it
@Castle but I expect Belgium to win even if they try to get possession from the start. But bo doubt this will be exciting and quite tight match with some surprises too :)
@T0ny04 True, but because I'm routing for France, belgium is out of their depth. belgium's defense does not have the quality to control the likes of mbappe and griezmann. Similarly to argentina, france will probably dominate the attacking portion of the game, and unless hazard or debruyne have the game of their lives France will probably advance to the finals.
It is more dangerous to play against a team than to play against stars but it is more deadly to play against a team of stars. Belgium has no size in this tournament. Lukaku has exhibited the spirit of team football to us a lot in this tournament, eg, his selflessness that made Chadli to score the winner against Japan, his performance against Brazil can not be forgotten. Lukaku is a striker but if you are smart and understand him as a fellow forward, he will make you score even more goals. France 1- 2 Belgium.
@Eben I am a great gambler. and betting belgium for victory.
@andy355 if u bet on belgium victory -seems like u are not a great gambler.
@Buddy7 I lost my money because I had placed my bet even before I posted this comment and I didn't come back to read till now. It would have been hard to believe though. The France coach is a class. He took Lukaku out of the game using Varane and Hazard was only able to dribble away from the 18 yard box but when he gets closer, they marked him out.
@Buddy7 what do I do according to you in this fight
@andy355 Take France to go through. Btts. France ind total 1 over. France will score in the second half. Giroud to score. Hazard to score. These options are pretty good.
@Eben В составе Франции тоже достаточно звезд. Преимущество французов в полузащите. А это многое решает в таких матчах. Стабильность и прагматизм - вот ключ к успеху в этом матче. Чего не о скажешь о Белгии. Красные дьяволы могут как обыграть любую сборную так и потерять концентрацию и напропускать кошелку голов. Лично я сам болею за Англию и в финале хотелось бы пару Англия Бельгия, но на данный момент сборная Франции чуть более зрелая что ли, и по этой причине в финал пройдут они.
@Buddy7 I want to be your friend.
Surely Alderweireld plays right back and not Chadli in a back four?
come on you belgium weirdos. I believed in you from the start @ 11/1. Don't let me down now. But here is my serious review of the game. This for me is a 50/50. They have equally strong players in every position that can change matches. Their defences are both strong when needed. Their set pieces and ability to get goals from headers has been shown in this tournament from both teams. The only plus is Belgium have is Lukaku, which is much more powerful than Giroud and can beat a man for pace. By that single bit of advantage I'm gonna go for Belgium to qualify! Plus they're the underdogs. Would also be nice to see a new team win it. Fuck off home ya frogs, good day everyone :)
france win .. guarantee 1-0 or 2-0
@ProGuess France win only if KdB and E10 start on the bench
Belgium will win this one, and the next one! Lukaku will destroy this defense, with Hazard and KDB as maestro behind him.
@sport Hazard to RM 2019
I will go for draw 2-2 within regular time
I agree with France"s 2ㅡ1 win
@ohmysoccer
BTTS , rpobably draw
It’s time for Giroud. Olivier to score and France win
France should start with Tolisso over Matuidi. Matuidi was poor against Argentina and gave poor defensive balance too. He also made two errors on the first two goals. France looked much more comfortable with Tolisso and he ought to start.
Surely France in the final where they will face Croatia, but both team to score. 2-1, maybe 1-1 and extra. Belgium did well and it’s time to go home. I like the way they play but unfortunately France will pass. Experience will play a huge role on that stage.
@Buddy7 Exactly, experience will.play a large role. And that's why Deschamps said, that his team is not ready yet, because for many important players it is their first world cup or even the first tournament. Experience wise Belgium has the edge....
@Buddy7 Belgium has the more experienced squad.
@reteip French side knows how to play semi-finals and make step to the final. They wil be more confident.
@Buddy7 Maybe past generations did. This France team misses Koschielny who would have led their defense and obviously Payet, their creator in chief. They would have brought the experience you mentioned. Otherwise this team lacks experiense and leadership in particular. Belgium have underperformed in previous tournaments but are the best prepared team in the tournament and tactically most flexible which should make up for their slightly narrower squad (full backs particularly) compared to France.
@Buddy7 I have seen no team more confident than Belgium yet, especially since they have been on the lucky side. Also they can play counter attack as well as possession type football. I think France is more scared of Belgium than vice versa.
I would say the same what Griezou said after the win vs Argentina - Vive la republique !! Griezmann il va marquer ! Kante will sing Yeke yeke.
Everyone going with a GG..don't be surprised one of them might not score ...surely over 2.5 yellow cards, over 9 corners and definitely over 9 shots on target too
It is very difficult to predict who will win. I think it will be extra time
France - Belgium are the two best teams so far and way better in technical terms and skills than the rest. So I am glad, that the new world champion will win based on superior offensive skills and finesse and not because of stupid long balls, headers or defensive play. Long live the beauty of skillful football...
@neumi17- The only teams who have played 'good' football this tournament have done so, for the most part, against teams who were themselves attacking: Belgium vs Tunisia (who needed to win therefore played relatively open- which they did not by any measure against England), Japan & Brazil; Brazil themselves against Switzerland; Croatia against Nigeria & Argentina; France against Argentina and Mexico against Germany but.... Belgium were stodgy before Mertens' wonder strike against Panama; Brazil looked devoid of ideas against Costa Rica; Croatia were mediocre against Iceland; France were poor in every game prior to facing Argentina and Mexico looked clueless against Sweden.
@SteveHyland Yes, that's all true but they showed at least glimpse of skill and good football. England however couldn't even outplay Panama convincingly. They scored 6 goals but none was created by great play or individual talent. Actually this game reminded me of Germany's 8-0 vs Saudi-Araba in 2002. 5 goals were headers, one penalty, 2 free kicks. Nothing about that game was good except the result. France played terrible in the group stages but got better each game.
@neumi17 Lingard goal was out of a good combination play with sterling + that shot was pure talent. nevertheless, other goals were ordinary.
@neumi17 All four teams have relied heavily on set pieces so far as Croatia and Belgium scored from corner and England and France from free kicks last round. Same could happen again and it could be a huge factor in this match as both teams have good crossers and tall players. Offensively Belgium are best prepared team in the tournament by far and probably have most skillful players anyway so I hope to see them in the final. But France have very large and solid squad, so this should be quite close match. Also Meunier's absence is shame, he brings width and good crosses for Belgium team and is defensively reliable as well.
@Castle- This doesn't refer to you but there seems to be a snobbery around set piece goals, as though they count half that of an open play one, but if you face a team who sit deep and are determined to not let you play then open play opportunities will be scarce and being poor at attacking set pieces could ultimately cause your demise.
@SteveHyland There is nothing wrong with set pieces, in fact Germany lacked to practice them big time. But if your primary source of scoring results out of them and you game plan is based on them, you know you have a problem in the creative department. It is totally legitimate to get as far as possible with that approach but don't expect to get praised for it and please don't get the trophy.
@SteveHyland That's very true; if you don't have any threat in set pieces your opponent can foul you in their defensive third without much of a worries. But surprisingly many games in this tournament have been decided by set piece goal or at least included them. I'm not sure if it's about VAR as defenders are more careful not to foul attacking players or is it because teams have started to see them as a bigger opportunity to score. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how much set pieces influence in these last four games. Obviously people hope to see games decided by open play with a touch of individual skill.
@Castle Your first analysis is not correct. Belgium has scored 10 goals out of open play , 3 of those where counterattacks. They are leading in both areas. Only 2 goals were scored after set pieces ... Croatia has 7 goals out of open play and scored only ones after a set piece. France has still 5 goals scored out of open play and also only one set piece goal. The only team that relies almost entirely on set pieces is England. The only scored 3 goals out of open play ( 2 headers) but had goals after 5 set pieces and 3 penalties. So set pieces will only be a larger factor in the Croatia - England game. With the rest of your post I go along.
@neumi17 And not that it matters, but Belgium one could count (as WS) Belgium to have scored three goals from corners: Vertonghen, Fellaini and Fernandinho's own goal. But that only proves that Belgium have most dangerous scoring threat in pretty much every aspect.
@neumi17 England are indeed most dependent on set pieces I'm aware. For others, I was rather referring to last round. In tight games though, set pieces tend to play bigger role than usual, particularly with national teams since they don't have that much time to train together so they focus more on putting defense together. Belgium, as I tried to say, are big exception as their attack look quite honed, although couple of easy games in group stages can give slightly optimistic picture. Your point about Belgium's counter attacking threat is good one, however. If they manage to score first, it's very hard for France to come back as France attacking play isn't convincing and could easily concede even more like Brazil did.
With Meunier out, both sides have basically 3 attacking players vs 7 defensive. I don't think there's more than 1 goal in it, although obviously I hope for more.
Belgium will win 2-1
"...absence of Thomas Meunier robs them of a key player down their right. Indeed, Belgium could struggle without the PSG man against France and it's likely Les Bleus will target Belgium's right flank in a bid to secure a World Cup final spot." Target with what? With Matuidi's and Hernandez's terrifying offensive threat?? France can hurt Belgium with their counter attacks as their front three are playing well together but I'd see their right flank is much more dangerous because of Mbappe. Belgium can't give him much space behind their defense so particularly Vertonghen must be on his toes, whether as left back or left center back. Pavard has impressed as France's RB in this tournament but faces clearly his biggest test so far with Hazard, who has been quite incredible so far. I think France will focus on defending and hope they'll eventually get their chance. Belgium should try to score early as they did against Brazil since France lack creativity when having possession.
@Castle You just summed it all up pal.
@Castle Yes Sensible. This match both team will focus on wingers. And I expecting France will play more possessive and physical to stop Belgium's Triangle. The team who start fast from starting will dominate because both teams similar in defense and attack. But playing style is different. Belgium succeed to score more Goals than France will be only difference even if France will score first Belgium will equalize somehow. Expecting awesome football from both teams.
Too many big bodies in belgium's midfield. they will bully france belgium 4-0
Vive la france vive la liberte!
@deakyb Shure, if you are french. The rest likes the better team to win.
France 3-1
@nexus747 Amen
Time for the lucky Belgium to go home (They should have sent home by Japan). Such an un-experienced bunch of players with overwhelmed ratting. When you seeing the jokes like Lukaku or Alderweireld, come on set us free please. France will to the job tonight 1:0 / 3:1
@ambrose You will only understand after the match result. Just tell me where France has more experienced players? Overrated and Jokes? Lol. Your comment makes me laugh.
@DedSec we now the world understand. haven’t you?
@ambrose Ahaha. Seriously. That France's any striker scored a goal? Lol.
@ambrose Every world champion had a lot of luck to get there. In 2014 Germany won 3 games they should have lost . Belgium played more convincingly than France, had a better build up, scores more goals and has more luck. New champion of the world = Belgium
@ambrose Lukaku a joke? Ironic when there is a player like Giroud on the other side.. And Alderweireld, just why? Belgium deserves to be there, they won against the Brazil, while the France won against the Uruguay without their best player
@Ouftey Lukaku is a joke for sure. Giroud is even worse but he is not overrated. Really make me sick when someone compares Lukaku with Drogba. Alder”weird” should go practise for several years more in Spanish league 2 with even not able to earn a regular spot in Atletico Madrid
For the love of football belgium has to qualify. I’d turn gay for hazard
@flephmang hazard is a crap player
@ambrose hazard a crap player? One of the few players that never complains, never dives... He loves football and xe love him for that
@flephmang you are a big hoe!
@cErik Any reason why ?
France 2-0 Giroud and pogba to score
@buthethi Every thing is wrong in that prediction. Giroud hasn't scored yet and is no threat in France's system at all as well as Pogba. And Belgium, as the top scoring team in this world cup ( 14 goals in 5 games ), won't score vs France, who had allowed 5 goals in 5 matches at all ?
@buthethi Use stats for more accurate prediction.
@buthethi Playing Giroud might be France's biggest misstake. He won't score.
@Fromhell - He needn't score. It's enough that he helps his teams do that.
FIFA World Cup - 2018 - World Cup Final » Belgium VS England
@Book Belgium - Croatia, how can you think England would make it ??
@Book no sir, France-England for the final. You'll se. Belgian players will have to go back to brewing beer...
@Book Ahahaha.. No Offense. True.
Both France and Belgium have allowed too many goals. Argentina scored three open play goals on France and Australia one by a penalty kick. France shut out Peru, Denmark, and Uruguay without Cavani. Belgium let in two goals by Tunisia and two more by. Japan. Belgium shut out Panama and England's backups. Brazil did score its goal against Belgium with superior execution. Neither team is a strong candidate for champion by defense results.
@ergtyr Maybe, but overall they are the best. The winner of this game will certainly win the WC.
@Adorno fun to watch 2014 Netherlands lost to pragmatic Argentina
@Adorno The "best" team can lose. If Belgium or France concede 2 or 3 goals in the final, then Croatia or England are likely to win, as it is unlikely either will allow 3 or 4 goals.
@ergtyr It is even more unlikely, that England will score a goal at all, yet very likely, that France or Belgium will score at least one or two. Quality wise they are lightyears above England and also better than Croatia, who will probably in the final.
@neumi17 England scored in each of its four friendly matches this calendar year and 4 of its 5 matches in this competition. England's backup lineup failed to score against Belgium's backup lineup. England is likely to receive corner kick chances against Belgium or France and it has scored from 3 corner kicks in this competition, against teams other than Panama, with two v. Tunisia and one v. Sweden. England can score against Belgium or France off a corner kick. England has a penalty kick goal in this competition, not against Panama, also, and many penalties have been called in it , so another penalty kick goal for England is possible. I do not see a shutout of England to be likely.
@ergtyr Yes, that is all true. But in most of those matches, friendly or competitive, England has hardly ever scored more than ones. I think the likelihood of especially Belgium scoring more goals vs England than the other way around is very high.
@Adorno If Belgium or France give up 2 or 3 goals in the final, then they are likely to lose it. Croatia and England are unlikey to concede 3 or 4 goals.
@ergtyr In other words - both to score.
Belgium don't want to waste this once-in-a-lifetime-chance so once they take the lead, they will go defensive and protect their lead anyhow. This might allow France to score a leveller, and then Belgium would score another one and seal the show. So, 2-1 belgium wins.
Belgium front trio against Brazil is scary as hell, we know bout that. But, can they did that if Casemiro played(Fernandinho was awful against Belgium, too offensive minded imo)? He did a great job as a shield protecting Brazil's back four from the group stage until round of 16. Don't forget that he also the one who protects Madrid back four thru their UCL hattrick. And last one, Tite used the wrong tactics in the 1st half, we saw how Belgium defense looks shaky since Douglas Costa and Firmino came in in the 2nd half. What do you guys think? Let's talk about football here. I love it.
@quayvo Simple because They Belgium did mistake against Japan in open play. So simple they scored two goals took lead and then kept defense good. What I am telling you is what you write is just half. Belgium did good in defense but their strength is that Forward Trio. In the second half, Belgium took so much pressure. They could play their real game. They could beat Brazil 3-1 or 4-1 or maybe 4-2. Don't you think about that?
@DedSec you got a point. And since the Brazil "reborn" era, i mean '94 WC, any team who beat Brazil before semifinal are going to the final. And lost in the final. So i think football is coming home lol. Seriously, England has many players who play in the same club and it seems really matter. Just look out of '06 Italy, '10 Spain, and '14 Germany
I still think this French team isn't as good as most people believe them to be. Doesn't feel like anyone specifically tested their weaknesses quite obvious prior and during the group stage of this tournament. Argentina managed to score three goals but were weak at the back and Uruguay were toothless with Cavani injured. I think Belgium will be the team to finally expose France and wouldn't be surprised if this is a 4-1 or 4-2 win for Belgium. If Belgium manage to replicate their performance against Brazil, France will surely lose.
@Lechiffre10 Yeah totally. They could even be won against Brazil with 4-1 or 3-1. But they focused on Backline on right time and kept them to manage 2-1. I am 100% agree with you. They will expose French Weaknesses in this game. Just look at France squad compare it with EURO 2016 squad. Against Argentina, the last two goals from France was coincident because Argentina was played with full back positioning while attacking. And against Uruguay, there was no Cavani-Suarez tag team. While Belgium suffered from Defense line against Japan. Unexpected but they had managed to score with attacks. Forward covered their weakness and right on next game they manage to handle their last mistake and weakness. It is why they are now in Semi-Final after Beat most top contender Brazil. I am sure France will next. Belgium 2-1 or 3-1 France.
I dont think its gonna be easy for france to have that lead, well this is a semi final credit brings these teams to this level and expect a tight game on both sides as individual talent might take some body home or keep staying. De bryuine and hazard and lukaku compared to pogba , griezmann and mbappe. I would go for lukaku and the group. I dont expect any side to win at 90 minutes. This game will be decided with penalties after 30 minutes extra time.
Wht the hell, there are only belgiums here ? Everyone like their comments !
Finals most probably Belgium-Croatia
@stefanm Hahhahahaha France -England and France to win.
@deakyb If you make that prediction under the heavy influence of drugs and bias reasons,than yes. Otherwise it is of course completely unlikely...
Belgium converted their weakness against Japan into Strength against Brazil the Defense Line. Courtois did well with Vincent Kompany and Chadli. But we forgot something here. Brazil's attempt on a shots on target is more than Belgium. Belgium survived through defense and goalie. And about France don't forget Cavani didn't played last game. So If anyone thinking Belgium is still vulnerable in defense it will be wrong guess. And the form of Triangular Hazard, Lukaku and De Bruyne will be match decider. I expecting more Physical Game from France here to stop Belgium Forward Line. France 1-2 Belgium on offence. :P
@DedSec stop dreaming
In the Finals Belgium - Croatia !
france 2-0 belgium. p.s. france will win the world cup
France 2 - 1 Belgium Ft no doubt
Carrasco isn't starting against France. He cant defend and you expect him to defend the side of Mbappe? Martinez isn't going to go back to the system that almost saw them lose to Japan. It will be a 4-3-3 again like it was against Brazil only this time Chadli replaces Meunier at RB and Dembele comes into midfield with Witsel and Fellaini.
@excalibur I agree, but it seems Martinez doesn't trust dembele, and i'd see him preferring Tielemans
2-3 Belgium!
I predicted before the tournamant that France will be the Champion. Last two WC i predicted thad Germany and Spain will win. But I hope we will have new WC winner between Belgium and Croatia. Mind say one, hart say other.
@Patrikovic Don't worry. Use the logic and use stats for more deep prediction. Support more aggressive team.
1-1. Belgium wins with penalties thanks to Courtois.
I have to agree with Carpena07 below, to me this game is like the unofficial final. Two outstanding teams, almost evenly matched up. Though France may be the favourite on paper (marginally), I expected Belgium's golden generation to get through here. France's midfield duo Kante-Pogba has been exceptional so far, but a forward line of Hazard-deBruyne-Lukaku will give nightmares to Lloris and France's centre backs.
@antonsmith I don't think so. England and Croatia are capable of giving either of these teams a good game. The final 4 is the strongest four. We will find out what the order is as there is a Final and a third place play off.
This game should’ve been the World Cup final
Belgium win. No extra time.
2-1 Belgium wins
Belgium wins and BTTS
france sucks
@greatsam Indeed. France and England are the most boring sides in this World Cup. Hopefully both will be knocked out and we will have a new champion.
@splint3r Yes France is but England? They scored 11 goals. Boring side how? Lol.
@DedSec England is boring, cross-head-goal and many penalties against low-teams Plus France isn't boring anymore !
3_1 france
2-1 Belgium.
3-1 for belgium , Follow the sign 666 and you will see the future .
France 1-2 Belgium.