Courtois, Hazard blast French tactics

Two of Belgium's stars, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Eden Hazard, have criticised France's tactics in their World Cup semi-final.

Belgium duo Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard were furious with France's style of football during their 1-0 World Cup semi-final defeat on Tuesday.

After going ahead through Samuel Umtiti, France defended deep and tried to hit Belgium on the counter attack, reaching the final as the Red Devils failed to break them down.

"France played anti-football," Courtois said, per Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. "I have not yet experienced a striker (Olivier Giroud) playing so far from goal.

"It's their right to play like that, because they know we're having a difficult time dealing with it, but it is not nice to see. This team was no better than us.

"France defended well, but that is it. Details have decided the game. Actually, I would have preferred Brazil to go through instead of France."

The Chelsea goalkeeper was backed up by his club teammate Hazard, who took a further swipe at the Euro 2016 runners up.

"I'd rather lose with this Belgium than win with this France," added Hazard.

The winger was fouled just outside the area in the final stages but Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha did not blow his whistle and Belgium were furious.

"(Cunha) did not referee well at all. The French wasted far too much time and he did not whistle for a clear foul on Eden," added Courtois.

France face the winners of the second semi-final, England v Croatia, in Sunday's final in Moscow, while Belgium play the losers in St Petersburg on Saturday in the third and fourth place play-off.


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Source: AAP


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