There is very little to choose between two of the most impressive teams of the 2018 World Cup so far. France have stepped things up in the knock-out rounds while Belgium have won five from five and knocked the favorites, Brazil, out in the quarter-finals.
Belgium have not lost August 2016, however, and that makes it hard to back against them - even with their inexperience at this stage of the tournament.
To counter that inexperience, they have a team packed with winners - Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany won the Premier League last season, while Eden Hazard did it the year before and all three are key influential figures in this team.
The biggest handicap for the Belgians will be Thomas Meunier's suspension, but they have the strength in depth to reshuffle their tactics - Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini having proved their worth after coming into the team.
France, by contrast, are at full strength and looked hugely impressive in wins against Argentina and Uruguay in the knock-out stages so far.
Kylian Mbappe has announced himself on the world stage and Antoine Griezmann's goal and assist in the quarter-final were proof (if it were even needed) of his value.
Their tactics, with Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante sitting deep, can cut the supply to Romelu Lukaku but Belgium have Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard to counter that and Maroune Fellaini to punch holes in a more direct manner.
It is very hard to split the two teams but, after beating Brazil last time out, backing against Belgium would be a huge risk - however good France looked in the last two matches.
France vs Belgium Top three bets
- Belgium to win and draw no bet at 15/13 with 888sport
- Both teams to score at 19/20 with 10bet
- Antoine Griezmann to score at any time at 7/4 with Bet365
France vs Belgium Prediction
France are favorites with the bookmakers, but this semi-final is a match-up between two of the most in-form teams in international football. Belgium are unbeaten since August 2016, however - they have are tough to beat and boast the likes of Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard to make a difference at the other end. It will be close, but these players have been dubbed Belgium's ‘golden generation' for a reason.
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