After some great football this World Cup, just four teams remain. With the first of two all-European affairs, favourites France take on a Belgium team that is finally fulfilling its potential. With a place in the final at stake, this game promises to deliver all the drama and brilliance expected from a World Cup semi-final.
Our football betting expert guides you through the best odds from France v Belgium.
French Fancy
France have had an excellent World Cup so far, overcoming two very difficult South American teams on their journey to the semis.
After a display of attacking brilliance to beat Argentina in a magnificent game that finished 4-3, they showed signs of tactical discipline to beat a good Uruguay side 2-0, with a small helping hand from Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera, who made a mess of Antoine Griezmann’s shot to gift the French a crucial second goal.
France combine a potent attacking force with a powerhouse midfield and athletic defenders, making it extremely difficult to gain a physical advantage over such a side. World Cup Golden Ball hopeful, teenager Kylian Mbappe, has taken the responsibility of a nation on his shoulders, and is incredibly dangerous whenever he touches the ball.
Grosvenorsport.com make it 11/8 for France to be victorious in 90 minutes.
Brilliant Belgium
Belgium have taken their fans on a rollercoaster during this tournament. After cruising through the group stages, Belgium looked beaten with half an hour left of their last 16 match with Japan.
An extraordinary comeback, however, saw them triumph 3-2, scoring with the last kick of the game.
Against Brazil almost the opposite happened; after a fantastic start, their composure slipped, though the Red Devils were able to scrape over the line as 2-1 winners.
We have seen both sides of this Belgium team during the tournament, and a lot will depend on whether Kevin De Bruyne or Eden Hazard can take over a game as we see so often in the Premier League. Belgium to win in 90 minutes is 2/1.
Back De Bruyne to seal Belgium’s place in the final
This game will likely boil down to a moment of individual brilliance opening up the game, and has potential to be cagey initially. I think that despite France’s excellent front 3, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens will look forward to attacking the relative inexperience of the French fullbacks, and this will create chances for Belgium. I think Belgium to win and under 2.5 goals is excellent value at 5/1.
After a magnificent performance against Brazil, De Bruyne will look to continue his excellent form, and the Belgian playmaker to score and give an assist is 18/1.
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