*By Christian Smith*
In a World Cup filled with exciting comebacks and a record-breaking number of matches decided by penalty kicks, all it took for France to best a high-scoring Belgian team was a single goal.
Center back Samuel Umtiti put France on the board in the 51st minute with a header off of a corner, and the team managed to hold that narrow lead for the last 40 minutes and change.
Statistically speaking, France had Belgium's number when it came to taking shots for most of the game. *Les Bleus* fired off 16 shots to Belgium's 9, which is consistent with the team's shot count throughout the tournament. That evenness is why France is the team to beat in the mind of Jeffrey Marcus, publisher of the World Cup newsletter "The Banter."
"Even when things don't exactly go *Les Bleus*' way, these young hardworking players get impressive results," Marcus said in Tuesday's [edition of "The Banter."](https://mailchi.mp/e3c3e7abc46e/world-cup-banter-dont-believe-everything-you-hear-again)
Belgium was plagued by fouls throughout the match, racking up 16, including three yellow cards. France on the other hand ended the game with just six fouls and two yellow cards.
Croatia takes on England in the tournament's second semifinal match Wednesday at 2 pm ET. The winner will challenge France in Sunday's final.
The loser of that match will battle Belgium for third place in the consolation match Saturday.
For the full segment, [click here.](https://cheddar.com/videos/previewing-the-france-vs-belgium-semifinal-match)
Between Bells: Ryan Seacrest Red Carpet controversy, NCAA scandal, and why is it so hot at the North Pole? With Salon, LiveScience, Pizza Hut, and Madame Noire.
New York Yankees great Bernie Williams somehow had time to become a Latin Grammy-nominated jazz musician during his 16-year run with the Bronx Bombers. The four-time World Series champion joins Cheddar to discuss his upcoming gig at New York's legendary Café Carlyle.
The four-time World Series champ and current jazz player says that the preparation process for both disciplines is very similar. But Bernie Williams told Cheddar that each career has its own challenges.
March Madness is going to be a little bit crazier than normal this year. A major scandal is rocking college basketball, just before the big tournament.
Dick's Sporting Goods announces it will no longer sell assault-style weapons in its stores. Amazon is buying video doorbell company Ring in a deal worth $1 billion. And is it time for "The Fresh Princess of Bel Air?"
This Changes Things: Advice for the executives and leaders of tomorrow, brought to you by American Express OPEN. On Between Bells: DACA, flying cars, and the Ryan Seacrest scandal. With Motor Trend, YourTango, and Reason Magazine.
Georgia's Lieutenant Governor is calling on Delta to reinstate its relationship with the NRA. The Dow closes down 300 points. Amazon is buying smart doorbell maker Ring. Former NBA star Al Harrington is looking to become the next marijuana mogul. Cronos Group started trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday. The vertically integrated company became the first marijuana company to join a major exchange in the United States.
Three-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor was with Cheddar to discuss her journey to becoming the most decorated female U.S. bobsledder in history. Meyers Taylor showed off her shiny new silver medal that she just won at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
The former basketball player says his grandmother, who was suffering from glaucoma and diabetes, inspired him to get into this industry. Now, he's working on his own line of products with Harrington Wellness.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging AG Jeff Sessions and the DEA on marijuana's classification of a Schedule I drug. The ruling marks a defeat for the plaintiffs who include a 12-year-old girl who treats her epilepsy with medical marijuana, a former professional football player, and a former U.S. Army Combat Veteran. An attorney on the case, and one of the plaintiffs share their reaction to the judges decision.
