World Cup semi-finals ranking

Introduction

The World Cup is undoubtedly the biggest sporting event on the planet and every time it takes place, it captures the attention of billions of people around the world. This year's edition in Russia has been no different and has given us some truly amazing moments, unexpected twists, and unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever. As we head towards the semi-finals, it's an opportune time to look back at the journey of the eight teams that made it this far and rank their performances so far. Each team has had its share of highs and lows, but some have fared better than others. In this article, we will rank the teams based on their performance till the semi-finals and what we can expect from them in the upcoming matches. So here is our comprehensive ranking of the World Cup semi-finalists:

Ranking of World Cup Semi-Finalists

1. France

France has been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament so far and has lived up to its billing as one of the pre-tournament favorites. Led by their talismanic striker Kylian Mbappe, who has been in scintillating form, Les Bleus have looked dangerous every time they have attacked. They started their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Australia but then convincingly defeated Peru and Denmark to top their group. In the knockout stages, they were up against Argentina in the round of 16, where they put in a clinical performance to win 4-3. In the quarter-finals, they faced a determined Uruguay side but came through with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

One of the biggest strengths of this French team has been its defense, which has looked solid throughout the tournament. Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense and have been very difficult to get past. In the midfield, N'Golo Kante has been outstanding, covering every blade of grass and breaking up opposition attacks. Going forward, Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann have been their main threats, with the former becoming the youngest French player to score at a World Cup. Overall, this is a team that has looked confident, organized and capable of going all the way.

The editor says: France has been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament so far, with a solid defense and a potent attacking force. They have a good chance of lifting the trophy if they can maintain their form in the remaining matches.

2. England

England's journey at this World Cup has been a rollercoaster ride, but they have managed to come through the challenges and book a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1990. They started their campaign with a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Tunisia but then struggled to beat Panama, winning 6-1 in a game that saw Harry Kane score a hat-trick. In their final group game, they lost to Belgium, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it meant they avoided a tough clash with Brazil in the quarter-finals.

In their round of 16 match against Colombia, they looked like they were going to win comfortably, but a late equalizer from Yerry Mina meant the game went to penalties. However, for the first time in their history, England won a penalty shootout, with Jordan Pickford making a crucial save. In the quarter-finals, they faced Sweden and put in one of their best performances of the tournament, winning 2-0.

The key to England's success so far has been their set-piece prowess, with Kane leading the way as the top scorer in the tournament. Their defense has also looked solid, with Harry Maguire and John Stones forming a good partnership at the back. However, they have yet to face a truly top-class opposition, and that could be a concern going forward.

The editor says: England has exceeded expectations by making it to the semi-finals, but they will need to raise their game to progress further. Their set-piece ability and Kane's goalscoring form could be crucial factors.

3. Belgium

Belgium came into the tournament with a lot of hype, and they have not disappointed so far. They started with a comfortable 3-0 win over Panama before demolishing a hapless Tunisia side 5-2. In their final group game against England, they made nine changes to their starting lineup and lost 1-0 but still managed to finish top of their group.

In the knockout stages, they were up against a determined Japan side in the round of 16 but came through with an impressive 3-2 win, with Nacer Chadli scoring a stoppage-time winner. In the quarter-finals, they faced Brazil in a highly anticipated clash, which saw them put in a stunning performance to win 2-1.

This Belgian side has an abundance of talent, with players like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku capable of turning a game on its head. Their defense has also been impressive, with Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany forming a formidable backline. However, their bench strength could be a concern if they have to deal with injuries or suspensions.

The editor says: Belgium has lived up to the pre-tournament hype and has looked very impressive so far. Their firepower up front and solid defense make them strong contenders to win the tournament.

4. Croatia

Croatia has been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and has exceeded expectations by reaching the semi-finals for the second time in their history. They started with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Nigeria before convincingly beating Argentina 3-0. In their final group game, they rested several key players and lost 2-1 to Iceland.

In the knockout stages, they faced a tough Denmark side in the round of 16, which they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. In the quarter-finals, they faced tournament hosts Russia and emerged victorious in another penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

What makes this Croatian side special is their midfield, which boasts some of the best players in the world. Luka Modric has been outstanding, dictating play and pulling the strings in midfield. Ivan Rakitic has also been impressive, while Marcelo Brozovic has provided the defensive cover. Mario Mandzukic has been their main goal threat, while the defense, led by Dejan Lovren, has looked solid.

The editor says: Croatia has been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and has played some impressive football. Their midfield will be key to their chances of winning the tournament, but they will need to raise their game to compete with the other semi-finalists.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our ranking of the World Cup semi-finalists. France, England, Belgium, and Croatia have all had their moments of brilliance and have earned their place in the final four. It's now down to these four teams to fight it out for the ultimate prize. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, we are in for an exciting end to an already thrilling tournament.