Didier’s delight

from PAUL BROWN FRANCE coach Didier Deschamps hailed his side’s character after they booked their World Cup Final place at the expense of Belgium.

“It was exceptional,” said Deschamps. “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 counterattacks. But congratulations to my players and my staff.

“I feel very proud for my group.”

Deschamps is aiming to join West 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.

Goalscorer Samuel Umtiti said: “I scored but we delivered a good match and I’m very proud of everyone.

“We reached our target to get to the final, I’m very satisfied.”

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was left to rue his side’s costly lapse in concentration.

He said: “It was a dead-ball situation which was the difference.

“It was a close game and it was going to be decided by that bit of luck in front of goal.

“That is the type of detail that counts in the semi-final of the World Cup.

“The attitude of the players was brilliant and we couldn’t ask for anymore.”