Semifinal #1 Recap: France Hold Out Against Belgium, Await Finals Opponent

The first spot in the World Cup final was decided today between France and Belgium. In the 15th minute, Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne intercepted the ball and set it up for Eden Hazard, whose one-timed shot went wide of the far post. Three minutes later, Blaise Matuidi of France had his long range shot saved by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois. Less than sixty seconds after that, Hazard curled a chance from the left side of the box that was deflected over the bar by French defender Raphael Varane. A corner in the 22nd minute fell to Toby Alderweireld from less than 15 yards out, and his blast forced French keeper Hugo Lloris into a diving stop, denying a goal bound shot aimed at the top left corner. Then, in the 39th, Kylian Mbappe played a great through-ball to Benjamin Pavard, but his shot was denied by Courtois' right knee. In the 51st minute, Antoine Griezmann's corner ball met with Samuel Umtiti's head, and the ball was placed inside the near right post, beating Courtois, and putting France up 1-0. At the 55th minute mark, Mbappe played a great through-ball again by back-heeling it Olivier Giroud, who hesitated on his shot before it was deflected by Mousa Dembele. Ten minutes later, Marouane Fellaini had his header just wide of Lloris and goal. Belgium had another great chance to tie it in the 81st when, after Hazard fell down and lost control of the ball, Axel Witsel's had a rocket of a shot aimed on frame, but Lloris dove to keep the ball out. France would look for an insurance goal in stoppage time, as Courtois would dive twice to stop Griezmann's and Corentin Tolisso's low driven shots. In the end, France prevailed, and will watch tomorrow's game to see who they will be playing for the World Cup trophy on Sunday.

Samuel Umtiti (#5) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal.