Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.
- Hal Borland
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France began their campaign on 16th June against the Aussies with a 2-1 victory. The French looked off colour and did not seem like the tournament favourites everybody was expecting. Then against a resilient Peru, France had to work overtime to edge past them 1-0. With 2 wins in as many games, qualification was secured. France drew 0-0 against Denmark in their final group stage match and topped Group C with 7 points.
Round of 16: France took on Argentina in a mouth-watering clash of two tournament favourites and we did get one!! Seven goals with five of them coming in the second half saw France and Mbappe out-run, out-pace the old and delicate Argentina in what could be Messi's last World Cup. \
In the Quarter-Finals, France met yet another South American opponent in Uruguay. Uruguay till then were unbeaten, winning all their group stage matches and had knocked out another tournament G.O.A.T, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. The French made a display of tactical discipline and defensive resilience as ousted Uruguay to become the first team to reach the last 4.
Belgium, the Red Devils have one of the best teams in the competition and they sure played like one in their opening matches. A 3-0 victory over Panama followed by a 5-2 thrashing of Tunisia saw them secure their qualification. The final match vs England saw both the teams make complete changes to their squad. A 1-0 victory for the Devils meant they topped Group G.
Round of 16: Belgium faced the last Asian squad, Japan. The match started and the first half ended with a scoreline of 0-0. Two quick attacks early in the second half saw Belgium down 2-0 by the 52nd minute. However, this was the game where they proved that they are in for a long haul. Goals on 69th, 74th and 94th minute and two of them by substitutes Fellaini and Chadli saw Belgium edge out Japan by the last gasp of the match. This game will become memorable if Belgium goes on to lift the World Cup.
Quarter-Finals, Brazil vs Belgium. Touted as the Finals in the last 8, Belgium made a bold tactical switch from 3-4-1-2 to 3-4-3. Two first-half goals, excellent defence and magnificent display by the goalkeeper (Yes I know it does not convey the actual emotions) saw Belgium qualify for the semifinals for the first time in 32 years.
France has won all three of the previous meetings at major tournaments, including two World Cup encounters. The French won 3-1 in the first round of the 1938 World Cup and 4-2 after extra time in the third-place play-off in 1986. The latter game in Puebla, Mexico, is the most recent competitive match between the sides.
But Belgium has a better Head-to-Head record with their 30 wins against France's 24.
Coming into the Semis, the Belgians are unbeaten in their last 24 games (W19, D5) and have won their last seven matches. They have scored 14 goals conceding 5.
Antoine Griezmann: France has never lost when he has scored. Nuf Said!!
Romelu Lukaku: He has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 13 games for Belgium.
Belgium's Thomas Meunier is set to miss the semi-final due to 2 yellow cards.
Blaise Matuidi of France is back after serving a one-match ban
France began their campaign on 16th June against the Aussies with a 2-1 victory. The French looked off colour and did not seem like the tournament favourites everybody was expecting. Then against a resilient Peru, France had to work overtime to edge past them 1-0. With 2 wins in as many games, qualification was secured. France drew 0-0 against Denmark in their final group stage match and topped Group C with 7 points.
Round of 16: France took on Argentina in a mouth-watering clash of two tournament favourites and we did get one!! Seven goals with five of them coming in the second half saw France and Mbappe out-run, out-pace the old and delicate Argentina in what could be Messi's last World Cup. \
In the Quarter-Finals, France met yet another South American opponent in Uruguay. Uruguay till then were unbeaten, winning all their group stage matches and had knocked out another tournament G.O.A.T, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. The French made a display of tactical discipline and defensive resilience as ousted Uruguay to become the first team to reach the last 4.
Belgium, the Red Devils have one of the best teams in the competition and they sure played like one in their opening matches. A 3-0 victory over Panama followed by a 5-2 thrashing of Tunisia saw them secure their qualification. The final match vs England saw both the teams make complete changes to their squad. A 1-0 victory for the Devils meant they topped Group G.
Round of 16: Belgium faced the last Asian squad, Japan. The match started and the first half ended with a scoreline of 0-0. Two quick attacks early in the second half saw Belgium down 2-0 by the 52nd minute. However, this was the game where they proved that they are in for a long haul. Goals on 69th, 74th and 94th minute and two of them by substitutes Fellaini and Chadli saw Belgium edge out Japan by the last gasp of the match. This game will become memorable if Belgium goes on to lift the World Cup.
Quarter-Finals, Brazil vs Belgium. Touted as the Finals in the last 8, Belgium made a bold tactical switch from 3-4-1-2 to 3-4-3. Two first-half goals, excellent defence and magnificent display by the goalkeeper (Yes I know it does not convey the actual emotions) saw Belgium qualify for the semifinals for the first time in 32 years.
France has won all three of the previous meetings at major tournaments, including two World Cup encounters. The French won 3-1 in the first round of the 1938 World Cup and 4-2 after extra time in the third-place play-off in 1986. The latter game in Puebla, Mexico, is the most recent competitive match between the sides.
But Belgium has a better Head-to-Head record with their 30 wins against France's 24.
Coming into the Semis, the Belgians are unbeaten in their last 24 games (W19, D5) and have won their last seven matches. They have scored 14 goals conceding 5.
Antoine Griezmann: France has never lost when he has scored. Nuf Said!!
Romelu Lukaku: He has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 13 games for Belgium.
Belgium's Thomas Meunier is set to miss the semi-final due to 2 yellow cards.
Blaise Matuidi of France is back after serving a one-match ban
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