It is World Cup Semi Final Final time and our Who Cares Guide returns to look at the France v Belgium World Cup Semi Final.
For those who don’t have enough time to fully get into this World Cup, we have a supplied shortened preview of just about every game of this World Cup so far, almost justifying the dreadful lack of sleep. This quick Who Cares guide is brought to you so it allows you to keep up with fellow family, friends, and fishmongers everywhere with your new found World Cup Semi Finals knowledge.
We even went to the lengths of wrapping up the Quarter Finals in our Sporting Opinion section.
This time we offer some who cares thoughts on France v Belgium World Cup Semi Final clash.
WED 4:00 (AEST) – FRANCE v BELGIUM
HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
France did a reasonable job in a reasonably difficult group, where Belgium won three from three, and topped a much easier Group G after winning the who cares England v Belgium game. The tactic that day was to avoid 1st so the draw opened up. It certainly did for England, and despite the tough draw Belgium look primed to go one further.
France have been very clinical, except for that 4-3 goal fest against Argentina, they’ve barely conceded a goal. Belgium have looked super in attack, but the defense has been the one question. Although it did the job against Brazil, if not Japan.
Belgium have had a big ride with easy victories over their Group G opponents, one of them purposely easy, but they looked set for n early exit when Japabn got 2-0 in front in their Round of 16 clash. On came Fellaini and Chadli, and so too did the three goals required to win the game.
Either way, both teams have been impressive at times, and certainly during the quarter final stage. This should be a classic World Cup semi final, with the winner of the World Cup liekly to come from this game.
SEMI FINAL PATHWAY
FRANCE – 1st Group C – 7pts – GD +2
R16 – France 4 Argentina 3
QF – France 2 Uruguay 0
Have knocked out multiple World Champions in their two knockout games. Only side left in Semi Finals to have conceded three goals in a match at this World Cup.
BELGIUM – 1st Group G – 9pts – GD +7
R16 – Belgium 3 Japan 2
QF – Belgium 2 Brazil 1
Still the only team to win all of their games within 90 minutes. The last time two team from same group made it to Semi Finals, one of them won (Brazil in 2002). That means Belgium or England.
WHO CARES HISTORY
Head to Head – France 8 Belgium 5 Draw 6 (Goals – France 36 Belgium 24)
Last Match – France 3 Belgium 4 – 2015 Friendly
1st Match – France 3 Belgium 1 – 1938 World Cup
Last time in a Semi Final – France 2006 (went on to be losing finalist) Belgium 1986 (lost Semi Final)
Best Result – France 1998 – Win – Belgium 1986 – Semi Final
HOW CAN THEY WIN
France have one of the best young talents on the planet in Mbappe, who has started to show something, and Paul Pogba is finally getting into the mood. Kante too does what Kante does. Should be able to soak up the pressure and then potentially counter attack like never before. They have the biggest name squad of the Semi Finals team, just.
Belgium have a great generation, a golden one if you will, but they have to make it count now. They looked really good against Brazil, and also did against Japan, as they were finished in Japan at one stage.
Keepers are EPL experienced, and solid at this World Cup.
WHO CARES FOR A BET?
RESULT – France $2.35 Belgium $3.00 Draw $3.20
TO QUALIFY – France $1.74 Belgium $2.10
OUR BEST BET – France to win in Extra Time @ $11
WHO CARES WHAT WE THINK?
What we think will happen…
Belgium have played their big game against Brazil and France will come out blow Belgium away 3-0 or 5-1. Can’t decide on which ridiculous score line.
What will probably happen..
A pulsating game that ends at 1-1 at full time, with France nicking a winner in Extra Time through a screamer from someone in +115th minute.
WHO SHOULD A NEUTRAL SUPPORT THEN?
FRANCE IF YOU….
Love a tasty Baguette
Are a fan of football’s hardest working player in Kante
Like the colour blue.
Enjoy a good Wil Anderson lookalike like Giroud.
For some reason who can’t stand the Belgians.
Really wanted to be Rene from Allo Allo at some stage.
BELGIUM IF YOU…..
Like Afros
Have an unnatural hatred of the French, or continually joke about WWII stereo stypes.
Like to follow an EPL club, without having to follow .England.
Love a good retro short.
Want a new winner.
Are really annoyed that Yoplait is not French for Youghurt.
