Samuel Umtiti’s second half header was enough to send France through to the World Cup final at Belgium’s expense. Didier Deschamps’ side, the beaten Euro 2016 finalists, had to withstand a late onslaught from their opponents but held on and will now have the chance to win their first World Cup in 20 years. Belgium enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges and nearly drew first blood in the 15th minute when Eden Hazard flashed his shot across goal after Kevin de Bruyne’s inventive flick had presented the Chelsea winger with a sight of goal.
Ronaldo Hazard came even closer shortly afterwards, this time cutting in on his favoured right foot and blasting the ball towards the far corner, only for Raphael Varane to divert the ball over the crossbar with a brave header. Hugo Lloris was then forced to make one of the saves of the tournament, diving full length to his to turn away a curling effort from his Tottenham teammate Toby Alderweireld.