Ironic twist to French fears in semi-final win, says Lloris
France were concerned about Belgium’s ability at set pieces but instead scored themselves from a corner to book a place in the World Cup final in an ironic twist, said captain Hugo Lloris after Tuesday’s 1-0 win.
Belgium’s Martinez says disappointed team must try to finish third
Belgium paid the price for failing to take their chances against France but will now have to shake off their disappointment and focus on finishing third at the World Cup, their coach Roberto Martinez said after his team’s defeat in the semi-final.
Set-piece decider proves it is still a simple game
For all the intricate planning, cagey tactics and chess-like choreography, the simplicity of football was again emphasized as France secured a place in the World Cup final from a basic set- piece.
Umtiti header sends streetwise France into World Cup final
Samuel Umtiti’s 51st-minute header sent France into the World Cup final with a ruthless 1-0 win over Belgium in an absorbing first semi-final on Tuesday.
So near… Frustrated Belgium rues what might have been
Belgians tasted bitterness in their beer on Tuesday after their dreams of a first World Cup final were ended by the narrowest of margins by their bigger French neighbors.
Euphoric France dreams of World Cup glory after 20-year wait
France began dreaming of World Cup glory after a two-decade wait after Les Bleus on Tuesday defeated Belgium to reach the final, unleashing a wave of soccer euphoria across the country.
NFL players union challenges policy to stop anthem protests
The NFL players union filed a grievance on Tuesday over the league’s new requirement that players stand for the national anthem or wait in their dressing rooms, a policy that followed President Donald Trump’s denunciation of pregame protests.
France’s lost Euro 2016 final a driving force for coach Deschamps
France coach Didier Deschamps heaped praise on his players after they reached the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday, saying the lost final at Euro 2016 was still on his mind.
Off-Centre Federer gives Anderson hope: Wilander
Eight-times champion Roger Federer will find himself in unfamiliar territory when he takes on South Africa’s Kevin Anderson in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Deschamps hails French character after semi-final win
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.
