France got the only goal it would need in the 51st minute when Samuel Umtiti jumped in front of Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini to head in a corner kick from Antoine Griezmann. In a luxury suite wedged between the two decks of St. Petersburg’s $1.1-billion stadium, French President Emmanuel Macron — who was watching the game with King Philippe of Belgium — was met by a congratulatory handshake from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
For Griezmann, who led France to the final of the European Championship two years ago, the assist was his fourth, to go with nine goals, in this World Cup and the 2016 Euros combined.