Maradona, Pele, Gascoigne, Baggio, Charlton: The players who have starred at World Cup semi-finals - in pictures

A look back at past World Cup semi-finals and some of the superstars who shone, or had memorable moments, in last-four encounters

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - JULY 08: Toni Kroos (2nd R) of Germany celebrates with his team-mates after scoring their fourth goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Semi Final match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao on July 8, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Germany became the first side to score seven goals in a World Cup semi-final when they routed Brazil 7-1 in 2014. Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle both netted twice in the victory for the German, who went on to win the trophy. Jamie McDonald / Getty Images

Graham Caygill

Jul 08, 2018

The players of France, Belgium, England and Croatia will this week look to guide their sides to the World Cup final.

There will be individuals from those sides who will step up and become heroes as they make the difference to leading their team to the final in Moscow on June 15.

Ahead of France v Belgium on June 10 and Croatia v England on June 11, here is a look at some of the footballing greats of the past who have shone in semi-finals at World Cup.

And it is quite a list, with Pele, Diego Maradona, Roberto Baggio and Paul Gascoigne among them.

_____________

Exclusive: Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic on his side's 'fantastic' World Cup run

Assured England continue to excel at World Cup under Gareth Southgate's rule

Croatia beat Russia on penalties to book World Cup semi-final date with England

______________