Of the two semi-finals to be played this week, this is certainly the glamour fixture, with some of the world's best set to grace the turf of the Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg.
Adding to the pressure that comes with a World Cup semi-final appearance, is the fact that France and Belgium are bitter rivals, with this fixture sure to be as spiteful as it is a spectacle in football excellence.
Fresh off knocking out favourites Brazil, Belgium will be full of confidence heading into this one. Now that the Red Devils have made the semis, you feel that it's now or never for their golden generation of stars.
After a relatively quiet tournament, Kevin De Bruyne came to life against Brazil, looking deadly especially when combining with fellow superstar Eden Hazard. If these two play at their peak, there's no way that France's accomplished defence will keep Belgium scoreless.
Speaking of Les Bleus' defence, it has been more than solid throughout the tournament, not to mention underrated with the spotlight focused on France's attacking quality.
Centre backs Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti have improved in every game, while the tireless N'Golo Kante has been an engine in the holding midfield role. His work-rate has limited the defensive duties required from the centre-back duo.
In this tournament so far, France have been seemingly doing just enough to win each game. While they have never really exploded, except in the second half of the game against Argentina, Les Bleus under the pragmatic Didier Deschampes are a team who get the job done.
This is reminiscent of Portugal's run at Euro 2016, where they coincidentally went on to defeat France in the final.
Belgium will be without suspended right wing-back Thomas Meunier, who has been one of Belgium's best in Russia. Roberto Martinez will need to reshuffle his line-up, perhaps recalling the more attack-minded Yannick Carrasco.
This may prove a blessing in disguise, with a more attacking game sure to suit the Red Devils.
Belgium are the highest scoring team at this World Cup, as well as having nine different goal scorers. In contrast, France have only had five different players find the back of the net.
With more avenues to goal, Belgium are primed to make their first ever World Cup final.
Key Match Up
Kylian Mbappe v Jan Vertonghen
Mbappe has been France's spark and the difference in just about every game he's played in Russia. The 19 year-old's lightning-quick speed and boundless confidence has put opposition defenders on edge, leading to them make rash mistakes.
If France go all the way, Mbappe is a certainty for the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.
Watch the video below to see how Mbappe single handedly dismantled Argentina.
However, veteran defender Jan Vertonghen will surely have something to say about that. The Tottenham Hotspur man is Belgium's most capped player with more than 100 appearances in the national shirt.
While he is the definition of experience, Vertonghen is by no means old, and still has plenty of speed as well as positional awareness and toughness.
Despite Mbappe likely to be one of the world's best for years to come, you'd back Vertonghen to get the better of him in this decisive duel.
Key Stat
Belgium are undefeated in their last 24 games.
World Cup Betting Tip
Belgium to win by 2+ goals @ $7
Reasoning: Belgium have just looked more fluent all tournament. Despite France's win-at-all-costs mentality, De Bruyne and Hazard are the two best players on the park and they both play for the Red Devils.
While you could play it safe with Belgium to qualify for the final @ $2.10, the value is too good to refuse for such a high-scoring team.
Jul 10, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
Key Stat
World Cup Betting Tip
