Every player rated as incredible France defenders seal final berth | OneFootball

France have done it, they will play their third ever World Cup final on Sunday.

A Samuel Umtiti header was enough to see off Belgium in the first semi-final of 2018.

Here’s how every player got on.

(Ratings out of 10)

France

Hugo Lloris: 8

Two crucial saves when France were under pressure early on.

Benjamin Pavard: 5

Desperately struggled with Eden Hazard.

Raphaël Varane: 9

His centre-back partner will take the headlines but Varane delivered an almost perfect defensive performance.

Samuel Umtiti: 8

Impressive at the back and an unstoppable header to score the winner.

Lucas Hernández: 6

A quiet night from the defender who spent much of the game up against nobody on Belgium’s right.

Paul Pogba: 7

Won his individual battle with Fellaini superbly, forcing Belgium into a tactical switch. He’s had a terrific tournament.

N’Golo Kanté: 6

A rare quiet evening from Kanté, who was disciplined but not really required to break up play as France impressed.

Blaise Matuidi: 9

Incredible ball-winning ability and energy, Matuidi was France’s engine in St. Petersburg. Forget the big names, he was the best player on the pitch. Subbed.

Kylian Mbappé: 8

Wow. Just wow. Flitted in and out but dominated when France played on the break. Has the intelligence and skill to match his devastating speed. What a talent.

Olivier Giroud: 4

Toiled all night and gave Belgium a lot of problems – reason enough to keep the faith with him – but his finishing just wasn’t up to scratch. Subbed.

Antoine Griezmann: 6

Excellent passing but his decision making let him down at times. Assisted Umtiti’s goal.

Substitutes

Steven N’Zonzi: N/A Corentin Tolisso: N/A

Belgium

Thibaut Courtois: 7

Made a number of great saves and had no chance with Umtiti’s winner.

Nacer Chadli: 6

Played an odd role at right-back and looked out of place. Quite impressive going forwards.

Vincent Kompany: 5

Struggled with Giroud and the pace of France’s other forwards.

Toby Alderweireld: 6

Solid enough when questions were asked.

Jan Vertonghen: 6

Played perfectly fine on the left but it’s a waste not to use him at the heart of your defence.

Axel Witsel: 6

A solid performance in midfield

Mousa Dembélé: 5

Wasn’t his usual self in possession but did make a crucial tackle to deny Giroud. Booked.

Kevin De Bruyne: 6

Started well but lost influence as Belgium struggled to keep the ball.

Marouane Fellaini: 5

Lost Umtiti for the goal and was forced to move position as Pogba dominated the middle of the park. Subbed.

Eden Hazard: 8

By far Belgium’s best player. Electric as he ran at defenders with his perfect control. So unfortunate not to be in the final. Booked.

Romelu Lukaku: 5

His worst performance of the tounament so far as he came up against two top class defenders.

Substitutes

Dries Mertens: 6 – Asked Hernández some questions but failed to have a real impact. Yannick Carrasco: N/A Michy Batshuayi: N/A