ST PETERSBURG, July 10 (Xinhua) -- France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday night as a 51st minute header from central defender Samuel Umtiti decided a fascinating and entertaining game of football in which both sides had chances, but where France's greater experience was the deciding factor in key moments of the match.

Umtiti scored the only goal of the game with a powerful header, which deflected off Marouane Fellaini to leave Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois helpless.

Courtois made good saves from Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard in the game, while Hugo Lloris also saved well from Axel Witsel as Belgium worked hard to get back into the game. However, it was a game of 'nearly' from Belgium who too often failed with the final pass. Enditem