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Only four teams remain in the race for glory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the semi-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday to determine who will play in the final in Moscow on July 15th.
The clash of Tuesday is a real clash between France and Belgium. Meanwhile, Wednesday sees Croatia and England, the nations inclined as dark horses at the start of the competition, are looking to continue their race.
The knockout stages were filled with excitement, drama and tension. stop when we reach the last four.
Six-Year Calendar
Tuesday, July 10 (19:00 BST) -France vs Belgium
Wednesday, July 11 (19:00 BST) -Croatia vs England
Preview
![] KAZAN, RUSSIA - JULY 06: Vincent Kompany of Belgium celebrates at the end of the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Brazil and Belgium at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Fred Lee / Getty Images)](https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/002/817/979/a72b6cdb669c4584da779835174704fc_crop_exact.jpg?h=53&w=80&q=70&crop_x=center&crop_y=top)
Fred Lee / Getty Images
In a quarterfinal series littered with exceptional management performance, individual and team, Belgium's victory over Brazil was perhaps the star.
The Red Devils have set their tactics aside, with manager Roberto Martinez with Romelu Lukaku on the right flank, Kevin De Bruyne on the brink of the attack and Eden Hazard in a floating role of L & K. left wing. The trio was devastating on the counterattack
As Squawka Football highlighted after their 2-1 victory over the Selecao, Belgium attacked the class on the field:
Squawka Football @ Squawka [19659019] #BEL has now produced nine different markers at #WorldCup 2018:
⚽️ Lukaku
⚽️ Danger
⚽️ Januzaj
⚽️ Batshuayi
⚽️ Mertens
⚽️ Vertonghen
⚽️ Fellaini
⚽️ Chadli
⚽️ De Bruyne#ITA in 2006 (10) were the last team to produce more scorers in a single tournament. https://t.co/KcERuNRsJg
France will be an equally important challenge, as Didier Deschamps has found a functional formula to lead his team to the semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, they overcame a tough opponent in Uruguay too. The South Americans were aggressive, smart and tight, but there were moments after Raphael Varane's first goal when France held them at arm's length
France was impressive against Uruguay. Livesey / Getty Images
According to French football journalist Jeremy Smith, despite some criticisms before the kickoff of the tournament, Deschamps seems to have played well in the knockout phases:
Jeremy Smith @ jeremysmith98
And why not a credit for Deschamps? Set up the team perfectly, everyone played his role at a T-shirt and he showed that his team can win beautifully, win ugly, win with the ball and win without it.
France's goal was the semifinal. They did that. But let 's not stop here …
On Wednesday it will be the turn of Croatia and England, and both teams will appreciate this huge opportunity for them.
The Three Lions continued their shootout win over Colombia with a measured performance against Sweden, with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli in each half that earned them a deserved 2-0 win
Jean Catuffe / Getty Images
The Swedes lobbied in the second half, and the keeper of English goal Jordan Pickford had to make three fine stops to keep his clean sheet intact. Geoff Hurst, winner of the 1966 World Cup with England, raved about Everton's cap:
Sir Geoff Hurst @ TheGeoffHurst [19659024] We must mention the young Pickford, absolutely fantastic of the young, no sign of inexperience, made key savings repeatedly. #ENGSWE #WorldCup #ItsComingHome
Croatia has the potential to be a much tougher opponent for England, although it has not played at its best in its knockout matches .
After a chaotic 2-2 match with Russia in the quarterfinals, it was left to Ivan Rakitic to place the winning penalty in the shootout for the second consecutive game to send Croatia in the half-day of Wednesday. With players like Barcelona midfielder and Luka Modric, the star of Real Madrid, the defense of England will have to be vigilant to make sure they are not separated.
Predictions: France 2-1 Belgium; Croatia 1-2 England
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