*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)
"At the end of the day, this relationship will end most likely with Belichick and Brady leaving together," Nick Dimengo, senior editor at FHM Magazine, told Cheddar.
Between Bells: A preview of Sunday's Golden Globes, the first major awards ceremony of the #metoo era. Plus, Rihanna and Kylie Jenner square off in a battle of the celebrity beauty brands. We're joined by Health, Racked, Mashable, TheGrio, CinemaBlend and more!
Meagan Martin, professional rock climber and American Ninja Warrior finalist, discusses her tips for staying healthy in the new year. She notes the importance of staying hydrated and having healthy meal replacements like snack bars to keep you full throughout the day.
Between Bells: Californians lining up for recreational marijuana, Hollywood's A-List women say 'Time's Up' on workplace harassment, and can Dems get a DACA deal? We're joined by Fast Company, Cannabis Culture, Bossip.com, TechnoBuffalo, Conservative Review and more.
While you were out partying this past weekend, World Cup Ski Jumper Abby Ringquist was competing in the US Olympic team trials for Nordic Ski Jumping.
After placing second in the competition, she joins Cheddar to tell us how she's helping other young women fund their big dreams.
John Graham, Speedo USA President, and Team Speedo USA swimmers Cullen Jones and Elizabeth Beisel talk the #GetSpeedoFit campaign and why water sports are better for your health.
Max Lippe and James Parker, cyclist and spokesperson for Electron Wheel discuss the product that turns every bicycle into an electric one.
There was a time when sports and politics rarely mixed, but that all changed in 2017. FHM's Nick Dimengo joins Cheddar with a look back at the biggest trends and stories from the year in sports.
After playing with the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant retired in 2016. This week, the Lakers honored the all-star by retiring not one, but two jersey numbers.
Under Armour delivered autographed Curry 4 sneakers by drone to fans over the weekend. StockX CEO Josh Luber explains how this promotion is resonating with fans, and how the sneaker retailer is performing.
