Match Previews

France beat Belgium on Tuesday. Talented outfit showing a very streetwise side. Five wins from six. Giroud and Matuidi both declared fit.

France head into the final of the World Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday evening. Samuel Umtiti’s goal shortly after half-time from an Antoine Griezmann corner kick proved to be decisive.

Les Bleus have shown a surprisingly strong defensive side to their game throughout the competition. Indeed, the manner in which they protected their goal against Belgium was excellent – perhaps the best in the tournament so far.

Although they enjoyed a good deal less possession than their opponents, they mustered 10 more shots and two more efforts on target.

They have been pragmatic throughout, winning five of their six encounters, with the one exception being a 0-0 draw against Denmark when they had already qualified.

Blaise Matuidi went off against Belgium following a heavy collision with Eden Hazard. He trained normally with the squad and there are no significant worries over his fitness.

Olivier Giroud was replaced after suffering with cramps. He will be fine to play and is likely to lead the line as Didier Deschamps is unlikely to rotate his side after their midweek win.

Umtiti has been struggling with a knee problem throughout the tournament and seemed to toil at points on Tuesday but there has been no doubt cast upon his participation.

France are taking part in their fourth major tournament final in 20 years. Only nine of the 23 involved in Euro 2016 are still in the squad