The second of the European Nations League semi finals sees Belgium clash with France in Turin on Thursday and the French start as the bookmakers favourites.
Belgium
Belgium have taken a liking to this tournament which for them started just over 12 months ago. They have won 5 and lost 1 of their 6 matches with the only defeat coming in England.
The more recent form comes in the shape of the Euro 2021 finals and World Cup qualifiers. In the Euros Belgium won all their group matches and then beat Portugal 1-0 in the first knockout round. Their run came to an end when they lost 2-1 in Italy in the last 8.
Since that tournament Belgium have played 3 World Cup qualifiers which delivered wins in Estonia (5-2), at home to Czech Republic (3-0) and last time out they won 1-0 away to Belarus. Belgium are 9 points clear of Czech Rep and Wales in their qualifying group for Qatar 2022
The final of this tournament will be staged in Milan at the weekend and the winner of this tie will face the either Italy or Spain who clash in the other semi final a day before this match.
France
France have won 5 and drawn 1 of their Nations League matches over the course of the last 11 months with a 0-0 draw at home to Portugal the only game they failed to win.
France were outright favourites for the Euro's earlier this year but after coming through the toughest of groups with a 1-0 win over Germany and draws with Hungary and Portugal they were on the wrong end of a surprise result, losing a penalty shoot out to Switzerland in the first knockout round.
Since their Euro exit France's WCQ results include 1-1 draws at home to Bosnia and in Ukraine and most recently they were 2-0 winners at home to Finland. They are 7 points clear at the top of the group with 3 wins and 3 draws although other nations do have at least 1 game in hand.
Recent Head to Head
The most recent head to head came in the 2018 World Cup semi finals and France won it 1-0 and went on to lift the trophy.
The Betting
90 minutes: Belgium are trading at around 41/20 to win the game in regulation time with the draw at 22/10 and France can be backed at around 14/10
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 12/10 and it's 9/10 for both teams to score.
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
Although they don't lose many football matches France have often let favourite backers down this year and they will need to be on their game against a Belgium team who are hungry for any sort of tournament title.
I see scope for goals from both sides.
Bets: Both teams to score? (yes) at 9/10
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Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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