France and Belgium are battling for a place in the World Cup final against England or Croatia and players’ wives and girlfriends are leading the support in the stands of St Petersburg.
A host of Premier League stars are on show in the first semi-final, at which President Emmanuel Macron was pictured greeting Queen Mathilde and King Philippe.
Maria Salaues, girlfriend of France’s Paul Pogba of France has been spotted in the stands at Saint Petersburg Stadium alongside Charlotte Pirroni, girlfriend of Florian Thauvin.
French President Emmanuel Macron greets Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and King Philippe as they prepare to watch their countries do battle
Rafael Szabo, wife of Belgium’s Axel Witzel, shows her support during the first semi-final of the World Cup
French midfielder Paul Pogba’s Bolivian girlfriend, Maria Saues, cheers him on from the stands
Charlotte Pirroni, girlfriend of Florian Thauvin, was also spotted among the crowds of supporters in Russia
Maria Salaues girlfriend of Paul Pogba of France in the stands for the France v Belgium World Cup semi-final
Rachel Legrain Trapani, girlfriend of Benjamin Pavard of France was also spotted at the St Petersburg stadium
Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and King Philippe, French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders arrive for the semi-final
Also eagerly awaiting the semi-final’s start was Isabelle Matuidi, wife of Blaise Matuidi of France
Rachel Legrain Trapani, girlfriend of Benjamin Pavard, was among the French supporters at the St Petersburg stadium
Tomorrow England will face Croatia in the second semi-final in what has been the Three Lions’ best World Cup in 28 years.
Captain Harry Kane said he and his men were determined to make fans back home proud.
Belgium assistant manager Thierry Henry hugs Franck Le Gall, doctor of France in the tunnel before the warm
Belgium players during the warm up before the match as the country could be looking at its first ever World Cup final
‘We know there is a big game ahead with the semi-final but we are feeling good and we’re confident,’ he told the BBC. ‘We just have to go again. We are enjoying it and we’ve got keep doing what we are doing and make the country proud.’
Coach Gareth Southgate said it was an ‘incredible feeling’ to lead the side into their first semi-final since 1990 after Dele Alli and Harry Maguire netted a goal each against Sweden.