“Derby” in Russia: France and Belgium fight for a place in the final

The first semi-final of the 20 World Cup will kick off in St. Petersburg, Russia, at 2018 p.m. It starts at 20 p.m. (live in the SportNews ticker).

France is dreaming of their second World Cup title after 1998, when they defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final of the home World Cup. For Belgium, however, it would be a first. The Belgians have never made it to the final of a World Cup. In 1986, in the only World Cup semi-final so far, the “Red Devils” failed against eventual world champions Argentina, and the game for third place was lost to France.

However, the favorite roles are by no means clearly distributed. Although France goes into the game as the slight favorite, as the bookmakers confirm, Belgium has long since given up the role of the eternal secret favorite and has been one of the title contenders since the beginning of this World Cup at the latest.

Some experts see the encounter as an anticipated endgame. For many Belgians and French people it is already the “derby of the century”.

That speaks for France Coach Didier Deschamps has formed a collective from his young team, which continues to improve over the course of the tournament, similar to the European Championships two years ago. The Équipe tricolore plays with discipline, but also with passion and finesse. Whether it's the lightning-fast Kylian Mbappé, dribbler Antoine Griezmannn or the eccentric Paul Pogba - they can overcome any defense in seconds. The victories over Argentina and Uruguay have further strengthened confidence. But no one is arrogant, control freak Deschamps would stop it immediately.

The team is only at the beginning of a possible era. The experience from the 2014 World Cup exit in the quarter-finals against Germany and second place at the home European Championship two years ago is already helping the team. That speaks for Belgium This team is also well-rehearsed and has outstanding individual class. From goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to the defense around Vincent Kompany to the outstanding offensive around Kevin De Bruyne and captain Eden Hazard: the team is well staffed in all positions, and the substitutes are also of quality.

In addition, most Belgians have tournament experience and have developed further after the disappointments of previous years. With the changes against Brazil, coach Roberto Martínez also proved that he coaches his team tactically at the highest level. And he has the French record goalscorer in assistant coach Thierry Henry as a striker whisperer. The statistics The teams will meet for the 74th time, but only the second time at a World Cup. The balance speaks for Belgium: The Red Devils won 30 games, France 24. There were also 19 draws. However, France was able to win the important duels: at the 1986 World Cup in the game for third place, the Équipe tricolore won 4-2 after extra time, and in the 1938 World Cup preliminary round they won 3-1. In the group game at the 1984 European Championship, “Les Bleus” even celebrated a 5-0 win and later won the title.

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“Derby” in Russia: France and Belgium fight for a place in the final

In the first World Cup semi-final in St. Petersburg there will be a friendly duel between France and Belgium. While the “Grande Nation” longs for a second World Cup title, reaching the final would be a first for Belgium.

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