Semi Finals Review

France Vs Belgium

An energetic Brawl with a load of Goals and a strive of Dominance in the Game, A Hunger for proving their reign. Well that were the expectations that everyone had for this Clash between Deschamps France and Martinez Belgium.

Results, only a single goal from a corner in the whole match, that even from Barcelona center back Umtiti.

France won, proceeding to the Final of the World Cup for the third time in last 5 World Cups denying Belgium a place in World Cup Final in the process.

This Semi-final apparently vain the expectations of the spectators but there was a beauty in this match, considering, the unexpected nature of this World Cup. In a match where everyone was expecting Hazard, Mbappe, Lukaku to net home the ball, and Pogba, De Bruyne to provide an assist, only a defender scored.

In the beginning, both teams seemed to be dangerous, France threatening with the speed of Mbappe while Belgium attacking with their quick transition of play from defense to attack. As the game proceeded, Belgium started dominating the possession and the game, this period tested the defense of France, with Hugo Lloris making outstanding save to deny the Alderweild’s effort following a corner whereas we saw some potential attacks from France in the breaks, with France developing an attack with a gorgeous exchange between Pavard and Mbappé, but it’s the defender who winds up with the ball and closing on Courtois, who gets a toe on the wayward shot and keeps it out. That were the highlights of the first half.

The second half kicked off with Belgium building their dominance on the game until it was shattered by the Goal from Umtiti in the 51st minute. After the goal, the game became tensed and Belgium started to lose their calm on the ball in the attacking third, thus conceding a lot of counter-attacks, none resulting in a goal for France. in the 56th minute, a great link-up play from Matuidi and Mbappe in the Belgian box resulted in split second 1 on 1 situation between Giroud and Courtois but the Belgian made sure that the game was not out of their hands by making a save. As the game proceeded, none of the teams put up a convincing play with Belgians missing their clear chances and France counter-attacking with no results. As the clock advanced, Belgians grew more and more desperate Fellaini firing a header wide, Lukaku nowhere to be seen on the end of crosses and through balls. Near the 90th minute, De Bruyne whipped probably cross of the World Cup but Lukaku somehow came a few inches short of getting his head to it.

Final whistle and Belgium just short of a place in World Cup final. Belgium’s golden generation performed well in the tournament and could have been in finals if they had taken their chances or at least would have forced an extra time whereas France on their own had chances to score in first-half and to put the game to the bed on counters after Belgium conceded.

England Vs Croatia

Harry Kane’s England met Luka Modric’s Croatia in a well matched affair as England on the back of 2-0 thumping of Swedish dreams and Croatia coming from a hard-fought and well deserved win over the host Russia. Both teams exceeded expectations of many fans around the world. On one hand Croatia was looking to reach their first ever World Cup final while England was looking to repeat heroics of 1966.

From the word go, England was looking more energetic while Croatia took a cautious approch. But breakthrough in the game came too early for England as Trippier fired a freekick into the back of the net after Dele Alli was fouled. England were looking in control in the game and could have been 2-0 up at the break but was saved by poor finishing from Harry Kane and co. There was not much more adventure in the first half as both the teams put up a dull play

The second half began with Croatia taking control of the game more from the midfield and dictating the tempo of the play pivoted around Rakitic and Modric. The Pressure built from the early opener started to fade off as Croatia dominated in Possession and got calm on the ball. But even this domination was in vain as there was no sharp teeth in the finishing of Croatia. Finally Croatia levelled in 68th minute as Virsajko lobbed in a good cross from the right and Perisic footed it into the back of the net to relive dreams of Croatian hopes. The Match continued with Momentum in the bags of Croatia. They created more chances and England could do nothing to reply. Croatians were passing the ball, linking up with each other and there confidence was increasing more and more and England could do nothing to counter it. In the injury time, England got a clear chance in the form of a free header from Kane which he missed. Normal time was over and the score was leveled at 1-1 and that meant extra time.

Advancing to Extra Time, England came up fresh winning set pieces and trying hard to convert them but Croatia saved itself everytime. In the second half of the extra time a sudden ball came to Perisic who headed down into the path of Manduzkic who scored the goal past Pickford which eventually was the winner. Right after the goal scored, everyone realised the victory of Croatia and England players seemed to have given up. Final Whistle blew and it was over for England in this world cup. While Croatia proceeded to the Final of World Cup for the first time in History.