France coach Didier Deschamps said he was deeply proud after his team beat Belgium and claim a place in the World Cup finals.

Defender Samuel Umtiti slotted home in the sixth minute after the halftime break, making it the all important goal and seal a 1-0 win in the Semi-finals match at Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Deschamps’ side will face England or Croatia in Moscow on Sunday as they look to lift the trophy for the second time following their triumph on home soil in 1998.

“It was exceptional,” the 49-year-old told reporters. “I’m very happy for my players, we showed character and the right mentality, it was very hard for us tonight. We worked hard defensively.

“We had to take advantage a bit more in the counterattacks, but congratulations to my players and my staff. I feel very proud for my group.”