England and Manchester United top career goalscorer Wayne Rooney praises his homeland’s “fantastic” World Cup effort on Monday, cheering the buzz and belief their semi-final run in Russia has inspired.

The eight young footballers rescued from a cave in Thailand after more than two weeks underground are unlikely to be able to take up an offer to attend the World Cup final in Moscow.

The Croatia captain Luka Modric carries his excellent club level form that helped Real Madrid secure their 13th UCL title earlier in May to this World Cup as the Croats are now very close to achieving the ultimate glory in Russia.

Kyian Mbappe has been magnificent in the World Cup so far but Belgium midfielder and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says he had no knowledge of the French forward. That is until Mbappe scored in both legs of the Champions League tie against Manchester City two seasons ago – a Round of 16 tie that finished 6-6 on aggregate over two legs with Monaco going through on away goals.

World Cup glory beckons for Croatian stars such as Luka Modric after several traumatic experiences at major tournaments, says their former coach Slaven Bilic.

For football fans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it's often a case of ABE (Anyone But England). It's tough for them to change the habit of a lifetime and get behind Gareth Southgate's team in the World Cup.

Brazil Football Confederation officials are furious with Brazil star Neymar as he refused to meet with fans when they landed back after World Cup exit.

France will unleash the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann against Eden Hazard's gifted Belgium side in Saint Petersburg with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

"Football is separate from politics, come to Russia and support your national team" says Victoria Lopyreva, glamorous ambassador for the soccer World Cup in Russia.

The World Cup semifinal sees two of the strongest teams in the tournament face off but is still considered something of a surprise.

Uruguayan Andres Cunha will referee the World Cup semi-final between France and Belgium at the St Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday evening, FIFA said on Monday.

England manager Gareth Southgate says winning the World Cup would make his players even bigger heroes than the 1966 generation because of the impact of social media and the globalisation of football.

After more goals came from set pieces in this World Cup's group stage than any other, set-play strategy has continued to have a huge impact in the knockout phase, with five of the 11 goals scored in the quarterfinals coming from free-kicks or corners.

Belgium are in uncharted territory for their World Cup semifinal with France but believe their team spirit and togetherness can ensure they carry on their extraordinary journey in Russia, manager Roberto Martinez has said.

De Bruyne is one of the most astute passers of the ball in the game, and one of its best long-range marksmen. Brazil simply could not cope with him in the first half of their quarterfinal.

France coach Didier Deschamps is confident he has prepared his players for any tactical surprises his opposite number Roberto Martinez might spring when they face Belgium in the World Cup semifinals in St Petersburg on Tuesday.

Eden Hazard and a brilliant Belgian generation stand between France and a place in the World Cup final as the countries bring their historic rivalry to Tuesday's first semi-final in Saint Petersburg.

England's 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst says Gareth Southgate's young team can match the achievement of Alf Ramsey's men and go all the way in Russia.

Adaptability is a great virtue if you are in Russia to be part of the World Cup. We were desperate to get flight tickets from Kazan to Saint Petersburg so that we could cover today's first semifinal between France and Belgium. With no flights available, we decided to take a hired van instead of taking the hazardous route of going to Moscow first and then taking another train to Saint Petersburg.

Joe Hart played cricket on Saturday rather than watch Jordan Pickford keep a clean sheet for England in the World Cup quarterfinals. The