World Cup semi-final: France vs. Belgium team news, predictions, betting odds, TV

Jul 9, 2018

Could French icon Thierry Henry hold the key to Belgian success?

Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Thierry Henry was in good spirits at training with the Belgium squad in Russia

France vs. Belgium

What: Fifa World Cup semi-final
When: Tuesday 10 July
Kick-off time: 7pm
Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St Petersburg
TV channel: live on BBC One

With so many world-class players on display this World Cup semi-final should be an absolute classic - or it will probably end in a drab goalless draw with the winners reaching Sunday’s final via a penalty shoot-out.

Let’s assume though that it won’t finish 0-0. Belgium are buzzing after their victory against Brazil while France are flying following their win against Uruguay.

There’s not much to choose between the two sides: both have superb goalkeepers, strong defences and attacking talent in abundance.

Les Bleus will include Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe in their starting XI while the Red Devils’ line-up will feature Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

Maybe Belgium have a trick up their sleeves against their European rivals? Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry won the World Cup with France in 1998 and he will be “plotting his nation’s downfall” in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the Daily Mail reports.

Henry goes up against former France team-mate Didier Deschamps, the 1998 World Cup-winning captain. France head coach Deschamps admits it will be “strange” to see Henry in the opposite dugout.

“It is weird,” said Deschamps. “Because he is French and that he will be on the bench of the opposition. For him as well, it will feel weird.”

Henry himself says his role is to help the Belgium squad. He said: “I am not the manager, nor am I the assistant manager. I’m the T3, the third coach. From the beginning I have said that everybody had to keep calm. It’s not the Thierry Henry show; I am here to help the squad.”

Team news

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi is available for selection after missing the victory against Uruguay because of suspension. Matuidi is likely to replace Corentin Tolisso in the French side.

Belgium wing-back Thomas Meunier is suspended so will miss the match in St Petersburg. Belgium boss Roberto Martinez may revert to a classic 4-4-2 formation, Fifa.com reports.

France vs. Belgium predicted starting XIs

How the teams could line up at the Saint Petersburg Stadium, according to Fifa.com:

France: Hugo Lloris; Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard; Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba; Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld; Yannick Carrasco, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli; Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku

France vs. Belgium predictions

Sports Illustrated: “Calling this one is immensely difficult. Both sides are coming off of impressive quarter-final performances and there is a sense that the winner of the tournament will probably come from this tie. It's going to be a thrilling match no doubt and don't be surprised if this one ends up going the full distance. Prediction: France 2-1 Belgium.”

Fox Sport Asia: “This should be a very intriguing match-up given the depth of talent that these two teams have. France have the personnel to take this game wide open, especially with Belgium being sloppy on the defensive end at times. But if they [Belgium] play their style of football they can play the role of the capable underdog and beat the mighty French team and book a spot in the final.”

Robert Kidd, Forbes: “I backed Brazil to get the better of Belgium in the quarter-final and won’t make the mistake of underestimating the Red Devils again. Before the tournament I fancied France but Belgium have the momentum and I think they will win it, 2-1.”