The CantmIre Post

France Becomes First Defending World Cup Champion To Reach Semifinals Since 1998

In a stunning victory, France has become the first defending World Cup champion to reach the semifinal round since Brazil in 1998. Les Bleus are now one of only seven countries to have earned a place in the final four seven times.

The French team overcame a determined Uruguayan side on Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory, setting up a semifinal clash with Belgium on July 10th. The match was an intense affair that saw France dominate possession and create several chances throughout the game. However, it wasn't until late in the second half that they finally broke through, with Antoine Griezmann's free kick finding the back of the net in the 61st minute and Raphael Varane adding another goal deep into stoppage time.

The win is just another testament to France's incredible form over the past few years. They have won their last five matches at this tournament and have been unbeaten since their opening day loss to Denmark. They are now just two wins away from becoming only the third team ever to defend their title successfully.

For Uruguay, it was another case of so close yet so far away as they failed to make it out of the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive World Cup. With star players such as Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez struggling for fitness, they were unable to find any kind of rhythm against France's well-drilled defense and were ultimately undone by Griezmann's long range effort.

France will now face Belgium next week in what promises to be an incredibly exciting matchup between two sides brimming with attacking talent. The winner will go on to play either England or Croatia for a spot in Sunday's final – making this year's edition of the World Cup one of most unpredictable yet.