How typical would it be if after fifty plus years without a competitive trophy and with recent expectations at a all-time low if England surprise the World on Sunday and send most of the UK into a what will seem like a year long frenzy. Hell there maybe even a late decision to postpone the start of the regular football season so that both media and fans alike can recover from the thrill/shock. Of course they have to reach the final first, which depending on which Croatia show up on Wednesday could be easier said than done. Croatia were one of the outstanding teams of the group stages, and their performances seemed to confirm them as everyone's dark horses. Yet, since they have stumbled their way through the knockouts. Against Denmark they only looked like the Croatia we expect for 30 minutes, before the match drifted into two sides cancelling each other out, both appearing to scared to take chances. The performance was better again the hosts Russia although again they only played in small busts. What will be a worry is their lack of a plan B when attempting to break down a robust Russian back line. Croatia tended to over play, and were mostly looking to play through the middle of Russia. A tricky game plan to pull off with some many bodies organised effectively for the hosts. At the other end Croatia's defensive unit looked venerable when defending long balls, or from Russian counter attacks. Certainly a fair few weaknesses for England to expose. Because of these moments and Russia's never say die attitude, this was a much better spectacular than Croatia's draw with Denmark in the previous round. To add to it Denis Cheryshev's wonder strike which gave Russia a surprise lead (though it was short lived), will rank as one of the tournament's best goals. Indeed, Russia pushed Croatia all the way and bowed out with grace losing on penalties having played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Its been a great World Cup and the hosts have more than played their part. For Croatia they must improve if they are to make the final. You would expect England to take even greater advantage if Croatia have another off day. If Croatia can reproduce their performance from the group stage they should give England our toughest test yet. Momentum is certainly more with England, and they have performed consistently with a good team spirit and solid unit. Landing on the right half of the draw has helped. Its coming together that England wouldn't really play one of the tournament's very best till the final (IF we make it!). There are still weaknesses for England which haven't truly been tested such as the defence. At times we've overplayed, and maybe lacked a play B, which is why it was promising to see players not named Harry Kane get the crucial goals against Sweden. It is maybe the big match experience of Croatia if anything which could swing it in their favour, and of course if the likes of Modric and Rakitic overrun England in midfield. But I'm confident that having seen Croatia's struggles against Denmark and Russia, that Southgate should have us well prepared to make life difficult for them to play their game. There is still much to do to go down in history along with the 66 team, but I think we have a decent chance of making the final at least.
Prediction: England 1-0 Croatia (not sure I could take more penalties!)
On the other hand the winner of the other semi-final between France and Denmark will have the right to at least secretly call themselves the favourites. The two sides are the best left in the tournament and both have shown they can lift their games against strong opposition in crunch games. With France deposing of Argentina and Uruguay and Belgium digging in to beat a gutsy Japan, and more impressively overturning the favourites Brazil in a cracking last eight clash. This is not only the standout semi because of the mouth watering football which could come from it, but because of the pressure on both to finally produce their best and take home the prize. For Belgium this golden generation may not get a better chance and are probably running out of chances anyway. Meanwhile, France have a history of imploding at crucial times, and not quite living up to the promise of their star players. This match could come down to the strikers. Lukaku is not only in the race for the golden boot, but he proved against Brazil that he can make a profound impact on the match even without scoring. France out of the two are little tighter at the back, so Lukaku will have a big role in trying to hold the ball up and bring the attacking midfielders or wingers into play. A hard pressing game could once again prove very effective. For France Pogba, Kante and Matuidi have all looked sharp in recent games. This is why I think Fellaini should start for Belgium to give them a better balance, and to help stop them from being overrun. It should be close, but I do wonder if Belgium peaked against Brazil and have a few more question marks hanging over them than the French.
Prediction: France 2-1 Belgium
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