TWENTY years after winning as host, France has qualified for the finals of the World Cup, defeating Belgium by one goal to nil in the first semi-final match played at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg in Russia.
France who have won all three of their previous meetings with Belgium at major tournaments, including two World Cup encounters extended their impressive record against the Red Devils at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday to reach their third World Cup final.
After a cagey first half with little to choose between the two sides, Barcelona defender Umtiti put Les Blues in the lead early in the second period with a fine header off Griezmann’s corner.
Belgium fought back bravely but could not find the breakthrough during an exciting evening in St Petersburg where Hugo Lloris was monumental as he kept out the Red Devils.
On their part, France showed another side to their game, looking more confident and were able to see out the lead.
Didier Deschamps leads France to Moscow for the finals against the winner between Croatia and England, while Belgium awaits the losers in the third-place match.
