France seeks ‘payback’ for Euro loss

FRANCE coach Didier Deschamps urged his side to seize redemption in the World Cup final after admitting he has still not overcome the pain of defeat in the Euro 2016 final.

Samuel Umtiti headed the only goal in a 1-0 semi-final win over Belgium in Saint Petersburg yesterday, consigning the Red Devils “golden generation” to another bitter defeat.

France’s young squad will now aim to make amends for defeat on home soil to Portugal two years ago in Monday morning’s showpiece, where they will meet the winner of this morning’s semi-final between England and Croatia.

“Finals have to be won because we have still not got over the one we lost two years ago,” Deschamps said.

In a World Cup replete with set-piece goals, a corner proved decisive when Umtiti timed his run perfectly to meet Antoine Griezmann’s delivery six minutes into the second half.

“The difference sadly is a set play in a very close and tight game,” lamented Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

Apart from being the match-winner, Umtiti’s partnership with Raphael Varane in central defence continues to flourish, and when called upon, captain Hugo Lloris made important saves.

At the other end of the field, teenager Kylian Mbappe was France’s biggest threat, but it was another off night for Olivier Giroud as the focal point of Deschamps’s attack.