Belgian surprise to win 3rd place FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia
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After being marginalized in the semi-finals after losing 0-1 to France on Wednesday (11/7) early morning GMT, Belgium is now set to the next target, which won the third position of the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium paid for their costly failure to take advantage of opportunities against France. But the Red Devils should now get rid of their disappointment and focus for a third finish at the 2018 World Cup, coach Roberto Martinez said.
France defender Samuel Umtiti headed in an Antoine Griezmann corner in the 51st minute, the only goal of the game that put Belgium out of the way.
And coach Roberto Martinez said that although he was happy his team could counter the French counterattack, but the players did not show their usual skill in front of goal.
"It was a tight game," the Spaniard told reporters. "There are not many golden opportunities. The difference between defeat and victory is just one dead ball situation (51 minutes corner). "
"We control their counterattack. We dominated the ball but had to give praise for the way France held it, and we could not find a little magic on the front lines. "
It was a fascinating tactical battle. France handed control of the ball to Belgium and wanted to use the speed of Kylian Mbappe to injure Belgium in a counterattack.
Dreaming to reach his first World Cup final, Belgium now have to settle for third place scramble fight. But Martinez says he is proud of his players and will do all he can to get them ready for their last game in the tournament.
"Our disappointment is huge. This is a very sad dressing room at the moment, "he said. "I do not want any of my players to be frustrated and disappointed."
"This is a difficult emotion to accept. You are disappointed to lose in the semi-finals, and it is very difficult to see opportunities to play in other matches as a positive thing. "
"We need to reunite and see opportunities. To try to win third place in the World Cup that rarely happens. The only thing that happened was in 1986, when we finished fourth. "
"We need to understand that this is an important game, but when you have ambitions to reach the final, it's difficult individually and collectively to prepare for the next game." @alex-discord
