THE nation may be gearing up for a World Cup semi-final but Southend United new boy Timothee Dieng has his sights set on a different final four clash.

France take on Belgium tonight in the first of the semi-finals in Russia.

And the Grenoble-born Dieng is desperate to see the French team come out on top.

“France have been very good so far and it would be excellent if they get through to the final and then go on to win the World Cup,” said Dieng, who is currently out in Spain with his Shrimpers team-mates.

“They will be difficult games, but it’s the World Cup so that’s what you expect. But hopefully we can win them.

“We certainly have the players to do it.”

France beat Uruguay 2-0 in the quarter-finals to set up tonight’s clash.

And Dieng will be particularly keen to see winger Florian Thauvin shine for the French.

“I played with Thauvin and we were in the same academy together when we were younger,” said the midfielder who impressed against Great Wakering Rovers at the weekend.

“It’s good to see him in the squad and hopefully he can help us to win it.”

However, Belgium will provide a tough test for the French tonight.

Roberto Martinez’s side beat Brazil 2-1 in their quarter-final clash on Friday and will now be eyeing up more success this evening.

The Belgians also have former Southend United striker Graeme Jones as their assistant coach.

Jones scored three goals in 26 appearances for the Shrimpers during the 2002/03 season.