XtraTime Web Desk: In form Belgium just falls short against France on Tuesday as they lost 1-0 in the first Semi Final of 2018 FIFA World Cup. Samuel Umtiti scored the winner for the French side in the second half.
It was an impressive show of defensive fortitude as France kept their fourth clean sheet of the tournament to reach Sunday’s final in Moscow, but the sting of the defeat proved too much to take for some of the Belgian players, who voiced their discontent with France’s style of play.
Déçu du résultat mais tellement fier du parcours effectué … un grand merci à tous les fans qui ont été exceptionnels ici en Belgique ❤?? #REDTOGETHER pic.twitter.com/CxiQXQ7DxF
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) July 10, 2018
“France was not the best team, they just tried to defend,” goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told beIN Sports. “France played like Panama. They did this during all the tournament, against Uruguay, they scored from a set piece, it’s a shame to see that.”
Eden Hazard provided more attacking threat than any other Belgium player but he also found himself frustrated by France’s setup.
“I prefer to lose with this Belgium than win with that France,” the Chelsea man said, as quoted by Sport Witness.
France’s greatest success in the match was the way they marshalled Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City midfielder, outstanding against Brazil, was marked out of the game and struggled to link up with Hazard and Lukaku as effectively.
De Bruyne also suggested that France’s performance had been overly defensive, but he admitted that they had done their jobs well.
Asked whether he was annoyed by France’s style, De Bruyne replied (via Sport Witness): “No, I play at City. I play against teams that play so defensively 90% of the time. That is football. What they do, they do well. Both teams have had opportunities. That one goal makes the difference.”
It matters not how you win the World Cup, and France are just 90 minutes away from lifting the trophy for the second time.
We are so proud of our fans.
We are proud of ourselves also.
We love #Football.Our @FIFAWorldCup has been amazing so far.
The journey continues. #REDTOGETHER we go for that third place !#WorldCup#FRABEL pic.twitter.com/Nm4EuhQ2Nq— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 10, 2018