SemiFinals of the WC 2018

1. Reflect on the WC and what has transpired to this point

2. All four finalists were ranked in the top 20 of FIFA rankings

3. Europe continues its dominance of the WC. National leagues, youth development, public awareness and support, unbiased media coverage of soccer with post game analysis. 

4. Africa has enormous advantages in population, land mass, resources, the popularity of soccer amongst youth, and yet the national teams fail to surpass the top 40 in FIFA rankings, and are mismanaging their talent at the WC. African heritage stars on Euro teams, meanwhile, excel. African teams are destined to excel at the WC, yet the development and discipline is progressing slower than anticipated by fans and observers.

5. Belgium is ranked #3 after Germany and Brasil, and are well managed, poised. Of the four teams remaining, they should be the threat to win it all. France is emblematic of Euro supremacy in soccer. Knowledgeable and supportive fan base, diverse talent, supemely well coached and disciplined play. Other nations would do well to mimc the French approach to their national team. The French team is also emblematic of civic nationalism and the success of diversity. Young Kylian Mbappe is a French born African descended (Cameroon/Algeria) rising star. The true leadership of France is the midfield stars of Griesmann, Girod and Pavard and their ability to deliver the ball to physically challenging players like Mbappe and Pogba. Belgium can match the physicality of any team in the world, and have proven that in this Tournament. They are coached to create space for offensive "miracles" which is more than the "controlled passing" of teams like France and Croatia. 

6. Croatia is finding ways to win. England seems to be finding good fortunes. Will character matter here? Or is good fortune the better blessing? Croatian midfield is far more talented here, and the goal keeping is excellent on both sides, yet winning consecutive PK matches in a WC is record breaking and noteworthy. 

7. Croatia v. Belgium.... England v. France. Which one will be for the Cup? Which is for 3rd place?

africa doesnt have an advantage in resources 

and definitely doesn't have enormous advantages in population

Nigeria population estimated to be 200 million. 3% of the world's population. 3 of every 100 people are Nigerian. (russia population, 145 million). 

Nigerian Premier League (name has changed many times) has a loyal fan base, and the quality of play and talent is obvious. 

Yet there is a lack of smaller leagues for player development. As an example, there are 120+ professional soccer clubs in Nigeria. In England alone, there are over 5,000 clubs. Sadly, great players are not being discovered and developed in Nigeria. The talent is there. The numbers are there. 

The United States has a parallel dilemna, int hat good talent is not being discovered and developed. The causes (according to the US Soccer Committee Task Force) was the competition of other sports (conflict in the Spring with other more popular sports in high schools), and the lack of knowledgeable, skilled coaches who utilize talent and coach players on fundamentals.

Hopefully this situation will improve.

In my opinion the England side is better than the Croats and will win to make it into the finals for the first time that I can remember. I also believe Belgium will find a way to beat France.  Looking at a rematch of match 3 in the group stage when england lost to Belgium. The difference is both teams will obviously put their best side on the pitch unlike that match. Unfortunitly for England the results will be the same with Belgium winning 2-1.

They were incredibly boring to watch.

That has to do with the coach because like all African teams they are loaded with talent.

Just a shame his team represented the world cup because they were a cure for insomnia.  I wish it was another African country.  jmo

Senegal was fun to watch.  Didn't have the luck and lost out to Japan on yellow cards.  Rough.

Thanks for your contributions, fellas. I am a newbie for communicating, but an experienced player. I choose my spots. 

I find these final games a bit challenging. 

Cultural aspects for these teams factor in, experiences at major tournaments, managing styles, athleticism, fitness and matchups RIGHT NOW (the largest factor).

France and England are the most storied selections. This is important if you beleive that expectations play a major part in deciding outcomes. Spectators actually have an effect on outcomes, much like Quantum Physics have proven that observers can alter the movements of electrons.

France and England have enormous investments in development leagues and the wealthiest football clubs in Europe. The style of this English side is heavily influenced by Gardiola and the attacking Man City style. This is a different england we are seeing. 

Croatia is truly one of the most beautiful, idyllic countries in Europe. Their success seems anchored in sheer will and commitment, excellent preparation, and the football logic (said by the veteran Uruguay coach) "...because of the low scoring of football games, any team can have a chance at winning and outplay their more talented, attacking opponents." This fct gives Croatia a high probability and makes the Eng v Croatia game for me unbettable for a side.

I see goals, goals, goals in the France/Belgium matchup, even though history shows us the semifinals are lucky to get more than one goal...Belgium will create openings for scoring, and France will pass, pass, pass, to create their own chances.

I predict Croatia and Eng to finish 1-1 and decided in a very dramatic way, possibly in a 3rd consecutive PK mtch for Croatia.

I was in Paris for the Euro Cup. I can tell you that the French fans are very knowledegeable, and there was a shock and sinking feeling when they lost out to Ronaldo and Portugal, a substantial overlay to start the Euros. Ar ethey here on a mission? Or do they finish close but are denied yet again? 

I lean Belgium and Croatia. 

3-2 Belgium.

2-1 Croatia in ET 

I have taken note of recent results between these teams. England has beaten Croatia, France has apparently handled Belgium. I am looking at the games RIGHT NOW, and I am denying the existence of any trend from the past to have any effect on play in this WC in Russia. The circumstances are far too different, If France beats Belgium, and England beats Croatia, I still would not believe that results from the past 5-10 years will have much bearing here.

I am a fan of Griessen.

I am a fan of Modric (reminds of Steve Nash of soccer)

Love H. Kane.

Great coaching from Belgium so far..., esp the subs in the Japan match. Great keeper.

I try to seperate what I "want to see" as a fan, and try to see the relity of advantages/mismataches.

I thought they were better than the No African sides (Algeria, Morrocco...) but qualifying has rules. Yeah, that was a rough way to go. Yet japan did outplay Belgium. My guess is that Japan would have lost to Brasil. So many close games this WC that could have gone either way. The coach for Senegal at least was able to create goal scoring chances. This is a frustration watching African sides. Many fans want to see them do well, but their talent is mismanaged. 

Are there odds for props for what FORTNITE dance will happen?

Griezmann did a "Take the L" and I think we have seen the "FLOSS" and the "worm" dances. 

Anyone know the online nicknames of any of the players? See if my 12 yr old can invite one of them...

Buy stock in Fortnite. It will surpass Minecraft.

As a long time player of lines, I have seen it all. One consistent moneymaker is to take in all the data, trends, condition, matchups, and try to develop a feel for what you FEAR might happen.

Most people FEAR Brasil, Germany, France, Ronaldo, Messi....and rightly so, for in the right spots, that fear is what takes place. 

Yet Barcelona loses or gets drawn by Celta Vigo, and RM cannot put away Villareal. PSG  gets "upset" by Leon, and so on.

In this instance I "fear" (I am afraid of an outcome that will undo superior matchups) that France will be undone by superior coaching, on the toes and on the mark, by a smaller but determined country. Just like France lost to Ronaldo and Portugal in the Euros in 2016. 

TELEMUNDO APP is the best download for free live coverage. It is actually a few sec faster than FOX tv feed.

You get 30 min free, then must put in ur cable info.

LLoris (France) is the best keeper left in this Tournament. Not sure how Belgium will score a goal, but either way, incredible.

Belgium is in trouble. That was an extremely soft goal by Courtois, which he has a habit of giving up 

Lukulu disappeared the last two matches.

I still think France will be a runner up (as in Euro 2016). 

Everyone likes them to win it all, and I could very well be wrong.

Pogba is a non factor.

Mbappe had one breakout game vs Argentina, but does put pressure on the wings.

The goalkeeping of Lloris is EXCEPTIONAL. Two fingertip saves and his fingers DID NOT BEND. AMAZING.

Score could easily have been 2-2. Winds up 1-0. Holding Belgium to NOTHING is IMPRESSIVE.

This match was robbed of ET, and it deserved it. 

Sad to see a semi final decided on a set piece like that. Scoring is just always LOW in semi finals. No matter what or who.

France is multidimensional, and has an awesome keeper. Any weaknesses?

Apparently not.

no shot could have been 2 -1 Belgium with those incredible saves by Lloris