It was a center-back header off a set piece that guaranteed France a place in the World Cup final . In the 51st minute of the game, Samuel Umtiti rose high to direct his header past the Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
France might have taken their time to get going but after a slow start they began to take control towards the end of the first half and once they had taken the lead six minutes after the interval there were only fleeting moments when Belgium threatened an equaliser.
France will be a formidable opponent in Sunday’s final, no matter whether it is England or Croatia who join them in the Luzhniki stadium, and especially when the feeling persists that they may be capable of taking their football to a higher level.
There are plenty of reasons to admire the team the French coach, Didier Deschamps, has put together.
