World Cup 2018 semi-final schedule: Equal strength and talent
The 2018 World Cup has determined the four strongest teams: France, Belgium, England and Croatia. The tournament is now just a direct competition between European representatives but still promises to be very attractive.
The first semi-final between France and Belgium is a dream match for many. Both France and Belgium have their own golden generations, with talented but also experienced young players.
In the quarter-finals, France showed formidable strength against Uruguay, while Belgium exploded against Brazil. In terms of difficulty, Belgium's victory is of course rated higher. However, that is meaningless in knockout matches. What is important is whether their players maintain their form and physical condition.
In theory, both teams have very even squads, with stars spread across all three lines. However, in reality, France is the better defensive team. Since the beginning of the tournament, they have kept three clean sheets and have always been very solid. Apart from Umtiti's mistake in the opening match against Australia, the French defense has not made any other significant mistakes. The three goals conceded against Argentina can be considered normal in the context of Messi and his teammates playing at their best.
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| France vs Belgium promises to be very exciting. |
While there is a difference in the defensive system, the attack of France and Belgium is considered "equal". If France has Paul Pogba, Mbappe and Griezmann, Belgium also has De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. On a good day, they are capable of penetrating any defense.
In the second semi-final, England will meet Croatia. Although rated quite low before the tournament, England is playing better and better. Without many stars like in the past, the Three Lions have become a truly strong team, they have solidarity and confidence in winning. Under Southgate's hand, everything becomes fresher but also more certain for the England team.
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| England are transforming. |
Meanwhile, Croatia continued to suffer the second consecutive torture when having to decide the winner or loser on the 11m penalty shootout with the host team Russia. After a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Croatia continued to be tied 1-1 by Russia in extra time. However, the bravery and tenacity helped the plaid team win the final victory.
Despite the loss of strength, Croatia managed to preserve their squad. In the match against Russia, they had 8 players who would have been suspended for the semi-finals if they had received yellow cards. However, all 8 of these players “kept themselves” clean and were ready to fight the English.
World Cup 2018 semi-final schedule
01:00 July 11: France vs Belgium (live on VTV3)
01:00 July 12: Croatia vs England (live on VTV3)
