*Belgium's only previous semifinal appearance came at the 1986 finals, where Diego Maradona turned on the second half magic and ensured for Argentina a place in the final with both goals in a 2-0 victory.

The semifinal line-up is complete and two intriguing, all-European ties lie in wait. But while the teams in the last four of Russia 2018 hail from the same continent, the similarities end there. France, Belgium, England and Croatia all boast very different attributes. This article on FIFA.COM takes a look at the salient features of the four semifinalists.

Football is played in cycles, although they do not change often.

If you discount World Cup pedigree, which has actually had little or no bearing in Russia 2018 so far, there is little to choose from between France and Belgium when the two European nations lock horns in the first semifinal at the Saint Petersburg Stadium today.

Romelu Lukaku

The Spanish Football Federation has appointed Luis Enrique as Spain's new national team coach on a two-year deal, the president of the federation Luis Rubiales said during a news conference on Monday.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has identified Raheem Sterling as England's danger man in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

Manager Gareth Southgate has largely stuck to his guns in terms of England's tactical approach at this tournament but the challenge of a World Cup semi-final against Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday poses him a tricky dilemma.

Croatia's Football Federation (HNS) sacks Ognjen Vukojevic, a member of the national team's coaching staff, over a "glory to Ukraine" video posted after Croatia beat Russia in the World Cup quarter-finals, HNS says in a statement.

Joe Hart plays cricket rather than watch Jordan Pickford keep a clean sheet for England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The World Cup semi-finals may be an all-European affair but Belgium's unlikely heroes Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli ensures that at least one part of North Africa retains a strong interest in the tournament.

A Kenyan linesman who had been due to officiate at the World Cup in Russia has been hands a life ban after being caught in a bribery sting.

Former England and Manchester United midfield general Paul Scholes says that Pep Guardiola’s influence has been pretty clear on England as well.

Eden Hazard is one of the French academy system's finest exports in the past decade but he could be the man to end Didier Deschamps's bid for World Cup glory.

The Spanish Football Federation appoints Luis Enrique as Spain's new national team coach, the president of the federation Luis Rubiales says during a press conference.

Begium captain Eden Hazard recognises France’s Kylian Mbappe as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.

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

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes that since his side has already been capable of stopping Lionel Messi, they can definitely cope with Harry Kane when they meet England in the semifinal of the World Cup.

Members of Brazil’s national team, which was knocked out of the 2018 World Cup, were applauded by fans greeting their arrival at Rio de Janeiro's international airport.

The World Cup fever sweeps through Bangladesh every four year as building rooftops boast fans’ favourite team’s flag and football dominate conversations amongst the masses.