A Full On Semi
It’s a game fit for final, but unfortunately that’s not the way it’s worked out. Both France and Belgium are teams capable of scoring a hat full of goals with the talent they have on the pitch. It looks to me like the bookies know that and that the odds are too low to bet on a mega goal fest. Instead I’ve gone for something a bit different.
France
France have succeeded where others haven’t in this tournament - to break through Uruguay’s defensive wall. Before the quarter final there was a lot of chat surrounding Griezmann’s ability to get the job done against the South Americans, especially considering he was going up against two of his defensive club colleagues.
Uruguay had no outlet against France, a considerable factor allowing the French to keep a clean sheet. There’s no doubt though that France’s strength lays in their offensive abilities, and that’s a multi-faceted offensive ability at that. They have the potential to head goals from crosses, they have speed and can shoot from distance.
With Mbappé demonstrating the kind of form we’re more familiar with from Griezmann, it’s hard to see how France can’t score against Belgium.
Belgium
Belgium really did a number on Brazil and looked lethal going forward. Likewise, to their opponents they have France have an excellent attacking team. Even with Lukaku having an off day on the job they were too hot to handle for the Brazilians.
Therein lies the key to Belgium’s hidden strength. They don’t just have a world class attack but goals can come from anywhere in the team and it’s hard for their opponents to plug leaks when they’re bursting in from everywhere.
With all that being said, Belgium’s weakness is in their defensive capabilities, and it’s not exactly a big secret. It’s not that there are any particularly bad names but like with the French their defence is the sum of weaker parts.
Match Tips
With such power, experience and sheer will to go forward, coupled with incompatible defensive lines, there’s every chance both teams will score at least one goal.
That’s why I’m going with 10/11 (1.91) on both teams to score with Betfair.
