Belgium Beats Brazil to Set up France S’final Clash

Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1 in Kazan last night to set up the first semi-final clash against France in St Petersburg on Friday at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup here in Russia. It is the Red Devils’ return to the final four for the first time in three decades.

Earlier, France saw off a combative Uruguay side 2-0 in a game the South Americans struggled in the absence of injured Edinson Cavani.

Brazil seized control of the match in the first half of the clash with Belgium, seeing Thiago Silva’s effort hit the post, as the Red Devils rode their luck while relying on the counter-attack.

The Belgians were ahead against the run of play after Fernandinho who replaced suspended Casemiro, deviated a flicked-on corner into his own net.

There was nothing fortunate about the European side’s second. Reminiscent of their on-the-break winner against Japan, Kevin De Bruyne polished off a flawless attack move with a sumptuously struck finish.

The South Americans tried to pile the pressure on their opponents again after half-time but a combination of the excellent Thibaut Courtois and feverish defending proved too much to break down. As the spurned chances stacked up, it was left to substitute Renato Augusto to head home a Coutinho cross to hand Brazil hope.

Belgium refused to fold, however, in the enthralling closing stages, ensuring Roberto Martinez’s side reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in their history.

Earlier, France’s good run continued with the semi-final berth for the first time in 12 years. Los Charrúas made a strong start all the same, with Cavani’s replacement Cristhian Stuani shooting across the face of goal. At the back, meanwhile, La Celeste were their usual organised selves, giving away no space whatsoever.

Seeing more of the ball, France put some good moves together only to struggle in the box, where the Uruguayans were quick to snuff out any danger. Ironically, France’s opener came from a set-piece, habitually one of La Celeste’s strengths, with Raphael Varane glancing a header home from Antoine Griezmann’s pinpoint delivery. The Uruguayans would have equalised on the stroke of half-time but for a miraculous stop from Hugo Lloris, who dived full-length to claw away a Martin Caceres header.

In a bid to turn the game around, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez rang the changes in the second half, sending on Maxi Lopez and Cristian Rodriguez. Their Russia 2018 hopes came to an end, however, when a Griezmann shot deceived Fernando Muslera and slipped through the keeper’s hands and over the line for the second goal.