If France do go on to win the golden trophy, they will become only the second team in history to win back-to-back World Cups, after Brazil’s successive triumphs in 1958 and 1962.
Inter icon Beppe Bergomi believes Milan star Olivier Giroud is more of a perfect pick for Didier Deschamps at the national level than Real Madrid hero Karim Benzema.
An all-Italian delegation will head the first semi-final that will take place at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday. Veteran referee Daniele Orsato will lead proceedings on field, whereas the VAR backroom will be headed by Massimiliano Irrati and Paolo Valeri.
Olivier Giroud has been lighting up the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, surpassing French legend Thierry Henry in the all-time goalscorers list with his 52nd strike against Poland in the Round of 16.
Perisic added to his national legacy with the equalizer, making history by edging past the legendary Davor Suker with his 10th major tournament goal. He is the player with most goal contributions for Croatia at major tournaments.
Despite winning 2-0 against Ghana in their final match, Uruguay were treated to a shock win by South Korea over Portugal in the other group match, with the Asian giants tipping them to a second place finish.
At only 19, Portugal talent Silva is touted to become a leading figure at one of the European giants. Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be keeping close tabs on his development, but there is also burgeoning interest from Italy.
Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has given his say on Neymar’s foot injury that he was afflicted with during Brazil’s opening game against Serbia.
Italy manager Roberto Mancini has apologized for Italy’s absence at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Mancini believes the EURO 2020 victory played a big part in Italy’s outlook before the qualification process.
Andre Onana has been sidelined from the FIFA World Cup due to disciplinary reasons ahead of the clash against Serbia. He will no longer be at the team’s disposal going forward – most importantly in the next do-or-die match against Brazil.
Brazilian legend Cafu, who spent most of his playing career in Italy following his initial years in the Amazon country, still finds it hard to believe that the Azzurri are missing out on the World Cup in Qatar.
Japan squeezed a narrow but all-important 2-1 win over Germany in their opening group matchday at the FIFA World Cup, and Roma manager Jose Mourinho does not seem surprised by the result.