Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of the UEFA Nations League semi-final between Belgium and France. After a bitterly disappointing round-of-16 elimination to Switzerland at the Euros, Les Bleus will be desperate to make Sunday's final against Spain. Belgium are formidable opponents, however, and Roberto Martinez's 'Golden Generation' are under huge pressure to finally deliver a major trophy. It's all set up for an intriguing clash in Turin! Let's grab the team news ahead of this 19:45 kick-off.
UEFA Nations League / Semi-final
Juventus Stadium / 07.10.2021
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- Y. Carrasco(37')
- R. Lukaku(40')
- K. Benzema(62')
- K. Mbappé(69' PEN)
- T. Hernandez(90')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 07/10/2021 at 20:42 GMT
10'
Pavard is still incredibly high up the pitch and is caught in an offside position as France try to build another attack.
8'
Shot! Pavard - the furthest forward for France - makes a run in front of Carrasco to meet Mbappe's deep cross but his effort - with the outside of his boot - is straight at Courtois!
6'
Chance! A sign of France's attacking threat as Mbappe plays a give-and-go with Griezmann, races past the onrushing Courtois, but runs out of pitch and can't deliver a cross or a shot.
4'
What a save! Lloris to France's rescue! Lukaku drives down the right and fires a low cross into the penalty area. The defence makes a mess of a clearance. It drops to De Bruyne, whose venomous shot is somehow kept out by the strong hand of Lloris!
2'
France have just one win in five, and their formidable front three of Mbappe, Griezmann and Benzema simply have yet to click; is tonight their time to shine?
1st Half
1'
Kick-off! The players take the knee before Belgium get us underway in Turin!
19:42
Ladies and gentlemen, the national anthems...
19:40
Plenty of handshakes and hugs in the tunnel before the players emerge onto the pitch. Pleasantries are over - it's almost time for action!
19:35
Antoine Griezmann, fresh from scoring twice in the recent victory over Finland, makes his 99th appearance for his country tonight.
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Image credit: Getty Images
19:30
Belgium have scored in each of their last 38 outings. The last time they drew a blank was way back in July 2018 - in the aforementioned defeat to Les Blues.
19:25
Last night's semi-final between Italy and Spain was a thriller; let's hope for more of the same tonight!
19:20
EXCLUSIVE: Belgium manager Roberto Martinez opens up about falling short at the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the continued development of the Red Devils' Golden Generation and the exceptional Romelu Lukaku's evolution.
19:15
Deschamps on Belgium: "There is this rivalry and it's maybe a bit heightened after the semi-final in Russia. We don't fear them but they have a solid shape and plenty of creative ability. Their attacking play is very effective and they are very efficient."
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Image credit: Eurosport
19:10
You may remember the semi-final of the World Cup 2018 when France edged past Belgium thanks to Samuel Umtiti's 51st-minute goal.
19:05
It's lovely to see a clear picture of who will play where!
19:00
France just happen to have an excellent front-three themselves in Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann as Didier Deschamps sticks with a 3-4-3 formation. With N'Golo Kante unavailable, Adrien Rabiot features alongside Paul Pogba. Operating as a left-wingback, Theo Hernandez keeps his place after an excellent debut against Finland. Benjamin Pavard is on the opposite flank.
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Image credit: Getty Images
18:55
Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku make up a potentially deadly trio in Belgium's attack, while Youri Tielemans and Alex Witsel feature in a familiar midfield. Jason Denayer is chosen ahead of Dedryck Boyata in defence.
18:50
TEAM NEWS - Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen, Castagne, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku.. subs: Mignolet, Casteels, Boyata, Lukebakio, Foket, Theate, Vanaken, De Ketelaere, Dendoncker, Trossard, Saelemaekers, Batshuayi /// France XI: Lloris, L Hernandez, Varane, Kounde, T Hernandez, Pavard, Rabiot, Pogba, Griezmann, Mbappe, Benzema.. subs: Costil, Maignan, Kimpembe, Tchouameni, Martial, Diaby, Dubois, Guendouzi, Upamecano, Veretout, Digne, Ben Yedder.