SOC: Semifinals Picks

Belgium vs. France: Belgium has been the strongest team in the World Cup to this point, and it's clear when you look at their 5-0-0 record, and a goal differential of +10 with wins over England, Japan, Brazil, and others. They play a style that is so hard to keep up with because how skilled and quick they are up front, with Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne. It's so hard to keep up with this team, but France might have the best chance because of how consistently great N'Golo Kante is. The Frenchmen are 4-1-0 and have looked their best during the last two matches in wins over Argentina and Uruguay. In order for France to reach the final, they're going to have to keep pace so Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann must be impactful.

Post: France.

Taylor: Belgium.

Wejinya: Belgium.

Croatia vs. England: Croatia is coming off of two consecutive wins via penalty kicks so they haven't been as good as they were during their 3-0-0 clip in the Group Stage. But they're still a really talented team led by Luka Modrić, who can strike at any time. England will be tasked with defending him and Ivan Rakitić. According to SB Nation, Rakitić said "We do not want to stop at the semis, I expect Croatia-Belgium in the final." After scoring the winning penalty kick in two straight games, he fully expects to keep winning. On the other side, England played one of their best matches thus far in a 2-0 win over Sweden. Harry Kane didn't need to do it all, which is a good sign, as Dele Alli scored the second of the two goals. He needs to show up against Croatia too.

Post: England.

Taylor: England.

Wejinya: Croatia.

Photo Credit: Sky Sports.