Samuel Umtiti's 51st-minute header sent France into the World Cup final with a ruthless 1-0 win over Belgium in an absorbing first semi-final on Tuesday.

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Didier Deschamps' side will face England or Croatia in Moscow on Sunday as the French look to lift the trophy for the second time following their triumph on home soil in 1998. 

Belgium midfield disappoints

Roberto Martinez went with Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel and Mousa Dembele in the midfield. The Red Devils looked the more potent of the two sides early with Eden Hazard making some great runs.

However, behind Hazard, Dembele was never really in the game. He was lucky not be booked in the first half. He was hardly involved in attack and was caught out of position or beaten quite often in defence.

Martinez introduced Dries Mertens later- but he did not have much time make an impact. 

It put extra pressure on Fellaini who had to fill many shoes. He was sometimes even playing in a no. 10 role. He also dropped back to defend and also marked Paul Pogba.

However, Fellaini was guilty of losing Samuel Umtiti during the corner kick as the Barcelona defender beat him in the air to give France the lead.

 

France find attacking rhythm 

While France had scored nine goals en route to semifinals, they were a little scrappy to say the least. France had averaged fewer shots than any of the remaining sides and were the lowest scorers of the semifinalists. 

Though they only scored one goal in the match, however they managed 17 attempts on goal. While  Mbappe made some great runs, Antoine Griezmann delivered too. Le Bleus would have scored more if Giroud had made the best of his many opportunities.

Giroud has played eight hours of World Cup football at Russia 2018 and not managed a shot on target.

Red Devils fail in attack 

France managed to keep Belgium quiet. Romelu Lukaku did not many chances with Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti dealing with him with considerable ease. Eden Hazard's runs failed to make impact as there was no creative force in midfield. Even Kevin De Bruyne looked lost at time with N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba dominating in midfield. 

They did came close once or twice. However, they couldn't get past the brilliant Hugo Lloris. 

Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco got them going but France did well to protect the lead. 

 

Mbappe is quick

We knew he was quick always- but then there's quick and then there's Kylian Mbappe. His speed – of foot and thought - was a constant danger to Belgium's experienced back three. 

He impressed even the ones in the studio. “I don't know what they're feeding Mbappe," said TV pundit Rio Ferdinand “but I want some!”

Kane is closer to Golden Boot 

Harry Kane's path to the Golden Boot is clear now. While Romelu Lukaku may still be playing in the third-placed play-off, Kane has now two games to increase or maintain his two goal lead. 

Kane leads the way with six goals from England's five games so far. The biggest threats to Kane landing the top individual honour at the World Cup are now Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann wbo are both on three each.