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

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.

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.

Pope Francis, who is Argentinean, consoles Brazil football fans after the team’s World Cup exit. He tries to cheer them up in Saint Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday blessing at the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

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.

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.

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

Many soccer fans know little or nothing about Russian cuisine before the World Cup, but have tucked into local gastronomy with relish, trying everything from luxurious caviar to staples like veal tongue.

Brazil great Rivaldo urges the Brazil national team to raise head and think about next World Cup in 2022 after their elimination against Belgium in the quarterfinals with a post on his verified instagram account.

The irony of Thierry Henry, one of France’s all-time soccer greats, plotting his own country's downfall at the World Cup in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invites Russian national team players and their head coach to discuss the results of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida faces possible disciplinary sanctions from FIFA after posting a clip dedicating his country's victory over Russia in the World Cup quarter-final to Ukraine.

Russia's unexpected World Cup run ended on penalties after a thrilling quarter-final against Croatia on Saturday, and the hosts left the stage having earned the admiration of fans both home and abroad for their indomitable spirit.

Croatia captain Luka Modric puts in a man of the match performance to lead his side to a penalty shootout victory over hosts Russia.

Croatia beat Russia 4-3 on penalties on Saturday to set up a World Cup semi-final against England after a dramatic match full of twists and turns.

Brazil forward Neymar accepted the fact that the disappointing quarterfinal loss to Belgium which ended Brazil's dream of winning a sixth world title was the ‘saddest day’ of his career.

All three of the soccer superpowers Brazil, Argentina and Germany, who have won 11 World Cups between them, bowed out of the tournament at the Kazan Arena.