I was trying to keep up with the score of the France vs. Belgium World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, but like thousands of others in Southwest Georgia, the internet at the office was out.

From what I hear, somebody accidentally cut a line up in Atlanta and our regions grid came to a screeching halt. Normally, I’d have a tab pulled up with game’s play-by-play, and I’d check twitter for highlight videos, but none of that was at my disposal.

Luckily I have LTE! Unfortunately, The Post-Searchlight building is like a bunker, repelling any sort of signal that has hope of penetrating through to my iPhone. I had to go way out to the Decatur County Courthouse parking lot for a decent enough signal to check updates, send texts and respond to emails.

Fortunately, the internet kicked back on in time for me to keep up with the end of the game. France was up 1-0, but Belgium had been taking shots on goal all afternoon. In the end, though, France held on tight and will be going to the World Cup Finals for a shot at either England or Croatia. That game is Wednesday at 2 p.m.

I was speaking to Middle Georgia soccer coach Vinny Gill at the camp he holds in Bainbridge every year Monday evening. According to him, the winner of the France-Belgium game was going to be the winner of the World Cup. I think I agree with him.

France easily has the best athletes left in the tournament. England has held on by the skin of its teeth and snuck away with a little bit of luck. Croatia also has athletes, but I don’t think they are going to be able to keep up with France’s.

France has one other World Cup championship, in 1998. I suppose it would be pretty cool to see them take home the trophy on the 20th anniversary of their first World Cup. At this point, I just want to keep watching amazing soccer. I was rooting for Mexico, cheering for Brazil, and now I guess I’ll lean toward the French to seize the day.