Umtiti heads France into the World Cup final

The Grande Nation is on the verge of a great triumph: thanks to goalscorer Samuel Umtiti from FC Barcelona, France's national football team has destroyed the World Cup dream of its small neighbor Belgium and is reaching for its second title 20 years after the triumph in its own country.

Lots of control, just don't make mistakes. The basic virtues for a World Cup semi-final were evident in both teams. The French in particular refrained from pressing at all. Gaps should be avoided against the Belgian combination football around Kevin De Bruyne, who is ineffective this time. The offensive hopes rested on their own counterattacks around the fast Kylian Mbappé.

Fallen: Belgium with captain Eden Hazard has to bury their title dream. © APA/afp / PAUL ELLIS

The Belgians had to patiently develop dangerous actions. De Bruyne was largely blocked - as was Romelu Lukaku in the center of the attack. So it was Eden Hazard who set the tone. First, the captain's shot went just wide (15'). Then defender Raphaël Varane deflected an attempt with his head (18th). France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris would have had no chances. Shortly afterwards, the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper saved with his fist from Marouane Fellaini (20th) and immediately afterwards with a strong reaction to a shot from his London club colleague Toby Alderweireld (22nd) on the line. France scores after the break France had more confidence after the break. Giroud was just blocked by Vincent Kompany (50th) in the penalty area. And a standard situation – typical for this World Cup – brought the goal. With the following corner kick, Umtiti escaped the guards of Alderweireld and Fellaini and headed in to take the lead.

The goal took a toll on the Belgians. Giroud could have even increased the score quickly, but his attempt was just blocked by Moussa Dembelé (56th). Where was Belgian offensive football? De Bruyne played his worst World Cup game in the semi-finals. Hazard could no longer make his mark. Fellaini headed just wide of the goal (65'). Lloris saved a shot from Axel Witsel (81'). Belgium's Golden Generation no longer had any glamor to offer.

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Umtiti heads France into the World Cup final

France is in the World Cup final for the third time. Coach Didier Deschamps' team beat Belgium 1-0 in the semi-finals in St. Petersburg.

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