Everything You Need to Know About Day 22 of the World Cup

France beat Belgium 1-0 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, reaching the final, where they will await the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between England and Croatia.

Samuel Umtiti headed in the only goal of an open game at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. Belgium couldn't find a response, despite Eden Hazard turning on the style at various moments.

Hazard caught the eye, but was ultimately out-shined by Kylian Mbappe, who once again proved he's a global star in the making.

France 1-0 Belgium

It was something of a surprise when France needed 51 minutes to go ahead in St. Petersburg. The first half had been an entertaining and expansive display of football between two teams with major talent in forward areas.

Belgium turned Kevin De Bruyne and Hazard loose, with the pair effortlessly combining in the final third, where the latter was particularly impressive:

Unfortunately, they were let down by a quiet performance from centre-forward Romelu Lukaku.

By contrast, Mbappe delivered yet another thrilling performance in Russia. The 19-year-old forward toyed with the Belgium defence, using quick feet, close control and natural flair to baffle markers and create chances.

Belgium struggled to get anywhere near Mbappe's awesome pace:

France absorbed a ton of pressure after Umtiti had emphatically met Griezmann's corner. Les Bleus' defence held firm, with Umtiti and Raphael Varane physical in the challenges and quick enough across the deck to disrupt Belgium's combinations of passes.

It helped N'Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi screened the back four brilliantly with energy, timing and tenacity. Ultimately, France produced a stubborn rearguard action to hold a team with 14 goals to its credit scoreless.

France will likely be favourites in their third World Cup final, regardless of Wednesday's result. Strength at the back and pace and fluency up top is a potent combination either England or Croatia will struggle to contain.