France coach Didier Deschamps hailed the character of his young team after they beat Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday to set up a World Cup final against either England or Croatia in Moscow.
Samuel Umtiti’s 51st-minute header at St Petersburg Stadium sent the French into the final, where they will be seeking their second win since 1998 – when Deschamps captained them on home soil.
“It was exceptional,” Deschamps said in a pitchside interview.
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“I’m very happy for my players, we showed character and the right mentality, it was very hard for us tonight. We worked hard defensively.
“We had to take advantage a bit more in the counter attacks. but congratulations to my players and my staff. I feel very proud for my group,” said Deschamps, who is aiming to join Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and Brazil’s Mario Zagallo as the only men to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager.
France’s Samuel Umtiti (5) wheels away after putting his team in front in the World Cup semi-final against Belgium. Photo: AFP
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“Forty-nine days together, it is a lot of things, difficult things, the group stage, it is the merit of everyone.”
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez was also proud of his players despite the defeat.
