Couldn't keep up with France and Belgium in their World Cup semifinal? Don't worry, BostonSportsJournal.com has you covered with all the highlights in quickie form, complete with BSJ analysis and insight.
HEADLINES
Umtiti header puts Les Bleus into Final: France jumped ahead midway through the 51st minute, off -- yup, you guessed it -- a corner: with the service coming in, Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti raced forward, rose, and headed it across the face of goal and in by the unguarded back post for the lone goal of the match, and made it hold up the remaining 39 minutes, plus six minutes of stoppage time. This young France side now advances to the World Cup Final on Sunday.
A fast and furious first half: Now that was a breakneck first half. Both teams were feeling peckish right from the word go, as France's Kylian Mbappe had a vicious cross into the box within the first 20 minutes, and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had a big save within the first half an hour. Belgium's Thibaut Courtois also had massive saves. A rather entertaining first half for the neutrals, but a pulse-quickening 45 minutes for anyone rooting for France or Belgium.
Fair play to the Belgians: The Red Devils had quite a few solid go's at goals, but they just found their shots stopped by Lloris, as well as the France defensive unit. I hope Belgium, after playing in the third-place game on Saturday, regroups and comes back in four years to give us another solid show.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
Hugo Lloris, goalkeeper, France
He only had a couple of saves, but my oh my, they were biggies. The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper was just immense for his team, and now gets to try and stop his Spurs teammate in Harry Kane, or former Spurs striker Luka Modric next Sunday.
TOP PLAYS
Hazard has a try:
Eden Hazard gets the first big chance of the game but it's just wide of Lloris' goal! pic.twitter.com/sCuCAikmrX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2018
Hazard AGAIN with a big chance! pic.twitter.com/ODeKm1VYTY
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2018
Pavard gets behind the line on a nice pass from Mbappé, but Courtois is up to the test! pic.twitter.com/21sNZzp9nO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2018
SAMUEL UMTITI!
The center back heads home the corner to give France the 1-0 lead. ?? pic.twitter.com/Y5MtXUpvDg
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2018