France won the match, but not the hearts. The first semifinal between the two best sides of the World Cup failed to live up to its Battle Royale billing. It was a good match but could have been great had France not played negative football. There was no reason for France to play defensively.

Should France go on to win the World Cup on Sunday, they would have peaked perfectly after starting the tournament in Russia slowly but gaining momentum when it mattered most.

Brazil star Ronaldo says that everyone in Brazil and all the Selecao fans expected more from Neymar in this World Cup after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium in the quarter-final of the tournament that ensured the Selecao’s elimination from the showpiece event.

FIFA fines England and Uruguay for breaking media and marketing rules during the World Cup.

The Belgian prime minister tells French President Emmanuel Macron that France had been very fortunate to beat Belgium and reach the World Cup final in Russia.

A consolation after the bitter defeat for Belgium in the World Cup semi-final against France is that many influential squad members of this Belgium side are still likely to be around in two years' time for the European Championship where they will have another realistic chance at a major title.

Five times when Video Assistant Referee (VAR) made an impact at the World Cup.

The French forward, at just the age of 19 is being considered as a contender for the coveted Ballon d’or but he reiterates that individual award does not interest him as his eyes are set on winning the ultimate prize – the World Cup.

Britain's Prince Harry confidently predicts that England would lift the World Cup as Gareth Southgate's men prepare for their semi-final against Croatia.

Belgium captain Eden Hazard echoed the sentiments of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and said that he would rather lose then win by playing like the way France did.

England reaches a semi-final in the tournament since 1990. Croatia, meanwhile makes the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1998.

Belgium goalkeeper Courtois criticises Deschamps's side for a defensive style of play in the World Cup semi-final.

Paul Pogba dedicates France's World Cup semi-final win against Belgium to the 12 boys who survived a harrowing ordeal trapped underground in Thailand.

France were concerned about Belgium’s ability at set pieces but instead scored themselves from a corner to book a place in the World Cup final in an ironic twist, said captain Hugo Lloris after Tuesday's 1-0 win.

Belgians tasted bitterness in their beer on Tuesday after their dreams of a first World Cup final were ended by the narrowest of margins by their bigger French neighbours.

For all the intricate planning, cagey tactics and chess-like choreography, the simplicity of football was again emphasised as France secured a place in the World Cup final from a basic set-piece.

Belgium paid the price for failing to take their chances against France but will now have to shake off their disappointment and focus on finishing third at the World Cup, their coach Roberto Martinez said after his team's defeat in the semi-final.

Samuel Umtiti's 51st-minute header sends an impressive France into the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Belgium in an absorbing first semi-final

Football anthem "Three Lions" is leading the race to top the Official Singles Chart this Friday as Gareth Southgate's England prepare for their World Cup semifinal against Croatia.

Just over six weeks on from Liverpool's defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final, Henderson has his chance to exact