Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Semifinals, Here’s a look at Favourites in France vs Belgium and Croatia vs England to Qualify for the Final

It is down to the last four in the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a long campaign that has seen so much action and drama on the field. Some of the best in the business have bowed out while dark horses have prevailed in Russia so far which testament to the narrowing of the gulf in class between the national teams which is good for the game of football. Belgium, France, Croatia, and England may not have been your fancied team but they now stand a chance to play at the summit clash in Moscow on Sunday the 15th. Let's analyse the fixtures and make up our minds on who starts as favourites to advance through to the final.

France vs Belgium: Two star-studded line up with breathtaking attacks will clash in the first semi-final of the World Cup with both boasting of names capable of changing the game scenario in seconds. Belgium masterminded a comprehensive win against mighty Brazil by exposing them on the counter. The Red Devils ability to move the ball quick from back to forward areas means their opponent have little time in organizing themselves of the imminent danger. 2018 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Schedule in IST: Fixtures of France vs Belgium and Croatia vs England Matches, Time Table in Indian Time of Football WC in Russia.

France, on the other hand, relies too much on the wide men to supply the ball to the forwards. You will find Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Greizmann often drifting out wide to receive the ball when the game is stretched. The assurance of NGolo Kante in the midfield is a telling factor in France pushing its men forward. The Chelse man is yet to have an off day and the Les Bleus will be hoping it continues as he is one guy capable of stopping both Eden Hazard and Kevin DeBruyne single-handedly.

Advantage: Belgium.

Croatia vs England: There is a growing clamor back in England that the young guns of their national team will bring the cup back home. What started off as an internet joke is now uniting an entire nation as they face a resurgent Croatian team that seems to have buried its past failures. There is a free-flowing football that the Three Lions have displayed so far in Russia and although you could argue they are yet to face a strong opposition, each and every game in tournaments like these is no walk in the park. They will be hoping for the likes of Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard, and Raheem Sterling to fire in the goals.

Croatia have endured the difficult task of two penalty shootouts in succession but owe it to the luck or sheer mental strength, they have triumphed both. Luka Modric is their main man as the way he controls the tempo of the game is probably second to none at the moment in world football. They also have this knack of creating a lot of chances but somehow do not put them to bed. They will certainly be hoping they do not face yet another decider by spot kick.

Advantage: Croatia

It will be tense emotional two matches in the World Cup if the matches are as per the trends of the tournament so far and will certainly not be easy for the fans. Led by four dynamic managers whose reading of the game has been immaculate so far, there will be not much that the teams will give away to their opponents.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).