We were best of the bunch
VINCENT CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE OUT
VINCENT KOMPANY insisted that Belgium were the best team at the World Cup.
Kompany and Co. crashed out against a ruthlessly efficient French side in Tuesday’s semi-final in St Petersburg, losing to Samuel Umtiti’s set-piece header.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accused France of playing “anti-football” after the heartbreaking defeat.
And Manchester City star Kompany claims France will not be favourites to win Sunday’s World Cup Final.
“Will France be favourites? No, no, absolutely not. It’s 50-50,” said the defender.
“They were well-organised, disciplined, defensively really strong. They were getting on the end of crosses, winning challenges in the important areas but I thought we did that equally as well.
“A damn set-piece, it’s all I can say. It’s not frustrating, until you concede. And then, after that, it becomes very frustrating. I respect any game plan as long as it’s within the rules.
“They tried to play on the counter. They planned on set-pieces and ultimately none of these things made the difference apart from the set-piece.
“We have to deal with the consequence. They are a worthy finalist, make no mistake.
“I think that from having seen England and obviously Croatia, which is a very good team, I think there won’t be a lot between them.
“I think the four teams in the semi-finals are almost equals. It’s ridiculous how close we are between each other.”
At 32, this was surely Kompany’s last chance to win the World Cup and it could spell the end for Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ too.
Jan Vertonghen and Dries Mertens are 31, Mousa Dembele and Marouane Fellaini 30, Toby Alderweireld 29. Many had planned to
retire from international football if they won it and Kompany said: “There was no team better than us at this world championship. We had more opportunities, more control.
“We were not left with the feeling that this match was not within our grasp. But that’s football. We must respect the law of the victor and congratulate the winning team.
“However, the team which wins this tournament will not be a stronger team than ours.
“When you get to this level, every team has got a player, right? We have Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. They have Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, so many good players.
“Mbappe is a great player, great talent. He has such a bright future ahead of him. He can really be the star by having a good final.
Blast
“We are disappointed. But we have to pick ourselves up. In the history of our football, it’s unique. If we finish third, then it’s the best-ever result at a World Cup for Belgium.
“People had a blast at home, they had fun. People have been celebrating and we shouldn’t forget that. That’s what this tournament is about as well.”
Chelsea star Hazard was also upset by France’s tactics, saying: “I prefer to lose with this Belgium than win with that France.”
But midfielder De Bruyne refused to criticise the French for sitting on their lead, saying he is used to play against packed defences for Manchester City.
He said: “Have I been annoyed by France? No, I play at City. I play against teams that play so defensively 90 per cent of the time.
“That is football. What they do, they do well. Both teams have had opportunities. That one goal makes the difference.”