Tuesday 10th July 1900hrs France v Belgium Football – International – World Cup We had some terrific quarter final matches with stories and goals aplenty. Only four nations now remain and all will believe they can go all the way and lift the World Cup. The semi finals are symmetrical in that they pit a previous winner against one who have yet to get their hands on that famous trophy and lay claim to the best in the world. First up is the 1998 winners looking to claim the World Cup for the first time outside of their own country against a team full of pretenders. Preview of Tuesday’s semi final between France and Belgium below, along with the best betting tip.
France displayed real quality in their win over Uruguay but perhaps in different ways to what we may have expected. It was a disciplined performance and one where they controlled the game from start to finish. Following the end-to-end win against Argentina in the previous round, Didier Deschamps’ team were much better in defence and took their chances when they presented themselves, as well as benefiting from a bit of luck of course. It was a further sign that France are growing stronger by the game and now head the market as the favourites to win this year’s World Cup. They are the most recent winner having won it 20 years ago but they did also make the final in 2006 and have all the credentials to be victorious once again. The pressure has been amped up every round and although it’s the first time that many of these players are competing in the tournament at this stage, they are taking it in their stride. Interestingly enough, this will be only the second game of the World Cup where the French have faced European opposition.
Belgium have not only been responsible for the most amazing comeback of this Word Cup (possibly any World Cup) when defeating Japan 3-2 in the second round, they have also produced the biggest result and shock thus far. Last Friday’s 2-1 win over favourites Brazil took many by surprise including myself. I fancied the South Americans to be too good for Roberto Martinez’ team but Belgium were out the blocks quickly and raced into a two goal lead at half time. I mentioned that Kevin De Bruyne had to be much better than what he’s shown in the previous four games and he rose to the occasion, scoring the decisive goal and generally showing his quality throughout. They did have to ride their luck somewhat in the second half as Brazil came on very strong but that was only to be expected against a team who have so many dangerous players and threats. It was mission accomplished though and Belgium have now reached the final four for only the second time in history having finished fourth in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. A win would see them make history but being so close to actually winning the competition means that anything other than lifting the trophy on Sunday would be seen as a failure.
France v Belgium Betting Tips
When you look through the squads of both these countries then it really should be no surprise that they have reached the final stages of this World Cup but taking a wider view then there is some eyebrows being raised that they have been able to put it all together so far. Belgium have underperformed in the last couple of major tournaments but that experience appears to have strengthened them whilst France have stuttered since the European Championships two years ago (when even then they were not great) and never started this competition in sparkling form either. That may well stand them in good stead for Tuesday’s game where they have been made favourites – although these is not much in it.
There is an extra dimension to this game as well with Thierry Henry, a World Cup winner with France 20 years ago, the assistant coach for Belgium. He will clearly not have split loyalties but it will no doubt be in a strange position when the French national anthem is blaring out pre kick off. There is a plethora of attacking talent on show in this one and it would be a surprise if we do not see an open and entertaining game. It certainly was the last time these two met back in 2015 as Belgium recorded a 4-3 friendly win in Paris. Whether we see that same level of entertainment remains to be seen but I think the way to go in terms of a bet is for both teams to find the net again and there being at least three goals in it.
Betting Tip Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals 29/20 @ William Hill
