Classic Encounter This Is!

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I rooted for Belgium on this one. What a classic match this is. Highly anticipated and it lived to its billing with both sides having lovely chances but couldn't bury them.

It is funny because two of the favourites actually lost in this stadium; Germany and then Argentina.

Both Belgium and France are unbeaten in this tournament, prior to this match and Blaise Matuidi returning to the side from suspension that kept him away from the last match against Uruguay.

This is the first semi-final match of the Fifa 2018 World Cup and this is the 74th meeting between the two sides. The last time they met was 3 years ago in Paris, but Belgium edged it 4-3, with Fellaini scoring twice.

The game kicked off and right from the go, Mbappe showed his electric pace to show the Belgium defenders what to expect through out the match. He gave a low ball into the box and it couldn't fully reach his intending target and it was cleared.

I expected goals in this match, as Belgium can boast of 9 different goal scorers in this edition of the Fifa World Cup.

Belgium dominated the exchanges early on. France were contented in absorbing Belgium's attack and were hitting Belgium on the counter, with swift breaks. Belgium were so organized early on, as they lose possession, they recover it quickly.

Hazard almost gave Belgium the lead in the 15th minute when he drove himself into the box, but could only flash his effort across the goal from an impossible or difficult angle. France would have one over Belgium in the 18th minute when he unleashed a brilliant hit only to be even matched by Courtois. Tonight is actually Blaise Matuidi's 71st appearances for France.

It is now moving from end to end as Hazard hit a powerful shot that has been destined to hit the back of the net, but Varane deflected it off the bar for a corner kick that eventually came to nothing.

The match came alive again in the 21st minute when Hugo Lloris brilliantly saved from a failing corner that fell confidently for Belgium which Toby hit. Even though he saw it late, he still managed to react quickly and denied Belgium what could have easily been the lead. Moments later Giroud was picked out but he couldn't direct his feet well. Fair to him, he did well to get a touch in the first place.

In the 31st minute, France played a smart freekick which Griezemann played short for Pavard which he crossed and was met by Giroud but he head it wide. Mbappe gave Giroud another wonderful ball in but he couldn't hit it properly and it went out. Giroud boasts of 31 goals for France in 79 appearances.

France were coming alive at this stage and Mbappe was at the thick of it again when he played Pavard in and his hit was saved by Courtois' leg. With the last kick of the match in the 46th minute, Umtiti fumbled a cross in and miskicked, the ball fell to Lukaku who wasn't anticipating it, and it rolled off him for a goal kick.

Both started brightly again in the second half and a ball fell to Lukaku but he couldn't direct his header well due to the pressure from the impressive Varane. Varane has saved France from conceding on few occasions.

Giroud was played in by the quick feet and classic touch of Mbappe but he wasted time and the chance which Kompany blocked for a corner. The resulting corner would be the breaker of the deadlock as Umtiti dashed forward to beat Fellaini in the air and buried his header in the 51st minute. It was a joy to watch.

France should have been clear from sight but Giroud couldn't bury any of his chances. Another fell for him in the 56th minute and it was expertly saved by Courtois as usual.

Mertens came on and gave Belgium the much needed push and crosses that was lacking from Chadli. All his crosses have been dangerous and in the 65th minute, a cross fell perfectly well for Fellaini and it was inches wide off the goal post.

What a brilliant effort from Hazard to take the ball running into France's defense, after being marked down, the ball fell perfectly for Axel Witsel, who unleashed a thunderous strike that was equally matched and punched away by Hugo Lloris. that effort was deserving of an equaliser. Hazard was denied of a clear free kick moments earlier, to the anger of the travelling fans.

France ran out as the winner of this encounter. They gave their all and turned up where necessary. Belgium's impressive World Cup run comes to an end. No one gave them a chance and they should be proud.

Belgium will have to wait to see who they will play with for the third place berth while France wait for theirs as well, for the final spot. What a classic match this is.

Belgium would be kicking themselves for missing several chances and not really taking a bit on France. France could have extended their lead with the last kick through Tolisso, but Courtois saved it.

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