France are through to the World Cup final. The European nation will face either England or Croatia on Sunday after they defeated their neighbours Belgium by one goal to nil. Samuel Umtiti was the hero of the night; the Barcelona defender headed in a 51st-minute corner, getting the better of Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini in the air to nod in a corner from Antoine Griezmann to secure France’s passage to Moscow. The French will be hopeful of winning their second World Cup. France have been the stand-out side of the tournament so far and will be hot favourites to win the trophy, regardless of their opponent.
France Through to Sunday’s Final
Hugo’s Heroics
The French goalkeeper and captain was the standout performer for the victors this evening. The Tottenham shot-stopper had several question marks looming over him pre-tournament. However, some fine stops, including a wonder save from club teammate Toby Alderweireld, ensured the 1998 winners won the day. The goalkeeper made some high profile blunders for Tottenham last season, as well as some for France in the friendly game prior to the competition. However, since landing in Russia, Lloris has been the best goalkeeper in the tournament.
France Look to Mbappe
At 19 years of age, PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe carries the hopes of a nation. The winger was magnificent again tonight. His pace caused the Belgian back line worries all night and one moment of absolute genius when his quick feet and back heel sent Giroud through on goal, almost lead to one of the goals of the tournament so far. Mbappe does not seem fazed by the big stage or the big name players around him and this mentality could see him go down as an all-time great. The youngster is now 90 minutes away from cementing his legacy in French football history and if he achieves it, his next target will surely be to win the Ballon d’Or.
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