Russia 2018: The best matches of the semifinals
Thirty two countries from different continents started the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but only four from Europe will fight for the ultimate price.
There wil be no chance for Germany to retain the title they won in Brazil four years ago after failing to make it past the group stages but France, England, Croatia or Belgium will ensure the cup remains in an European country.
Betting top 10 previews, the best matches of the last four, starting with the mouth-watering clash between two tournament favourites France and Belgium.
France v Belgium
Les Bleus of France are two games away from winning the World Cup 20 years after they hosted and won it.
Their coach Didier Deschamps is looking to become only the third person to win the world cup as a player and a coach after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.
France started off with a 2-1 win against Australia, beat Peru 1-0 then played a goaless draw against Denmark to top their group and booked a place against Argentina one of the tournament favourites in the round of 16.
Led by 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, France trashed Argentina 4-3 in the second round and were too good for Uruguay in the quarterfinal as they trashed the South Americans 2-0 to book a place in the semifinal.
Les Bleus opponents in the semifinal are impressive Red Devils of Belgium.
The Red Devils of Belgium were flawless on their way to the knockout stages, they won all their group games 3-0, 5-2 and 1-0 against debutants Panama, Tunisia and England respectively to book a clash against Japan in the round of 16.
Robert Martinez side who were heavy favourites going into their clash against Japan were shocked by two second-half goals from the Japanese but the talented Red Devils rallied back into the game to claim a 3-2 win and set up a quarterfinal clash against the Selecao of Brazil.
Two early goals from Red Devils helped them to a 2-1 victory against Neymar-led Selecao.
Belgium will have to be at their best to continue their winnig streak or stand a chance against pacy and talented Les Bleus.
Both teams like to attack and play expansive football due to their talented squad so there will be plenty of goals.
Even though Belgium beat France 4-3 at the Stade de France the last time the two teams met, the best coached team will win the game.
Didier Deschamps is expected to play his normal 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.
Possible line up for France: Hugo Lloris, Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Balise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
Roberto Martinez whi surprised Brazil with his tactics may reverse to the selection that helped him through the group stages.
Possible line-up for Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld; Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Thomas Meunier; Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku.
The match will be played at Saint Petersburg Stadium St. Petersburg on the 10th of July 2018 by 7 pm Nigerian time.
In the other semifinal match England will play Croatia for a place in the final at the Luzhniki Stadium on 11th of July 2018 by 7 pm Nigerian time.
