France culminates perfectly as they head for the World Cup final

ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) – If France were to win the World Cup on Sunday, it would have reached its peak after starting the tournament in Russia slowly but gaining momentum at the most important moment.

been the key for players and coach Didier Deschamps, who learned the lessons of the last World Cup in Brazil, where they lost to Germany in the quarterfinals, and the disappointment of 39, missed the European Championship two years ago. .

More than Tuesday, they beat Belgium in the semifinals to qualify for a match of a second World Cup victory, 20 years after their first.

While there were questions asked after a very inspiring start, which included a controversial victory over Australia and narrowly defeating Peru, France retained a spot in the round of 16 in a first-round group where she was favorite. They looked better every game.

There was, however, no easy ride in the knockout phases where the French had to show their full potential to beat Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium 1-0 in the Tuesday's semi-final in St. Petersburg.

"We are We are well prepared I can brag a little of that, "said Deschamps laughing after securing a place in Sunday's final in Moscow against Croatia or England.

" Players Older people all played their role as leaders and the young people brought their energy. I have a team with a good mix. They happily lived together.

"Nobody complains and all realize the importance of competition.When there was an opportunity to be seized, they took it."

There was a lot positive aspects to their game. A lack of panic when they were 2-1 against Argentina in the last-16 before coming back to win a thriller 4-3, and patience in the fall of l & rsquo; Uruguay stubborn in the quarterfinals.

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Against Belgium on Tuesday, France was vigilant and disciplined.

"We have to give a lot of credit to the way France defended, even having some offensive players who defend themselves very deeply and give us a lot of respect in this way ", said opposing coach Roberto Martinez.

For France, losing in the final of the 2016 European Championships in Portugal in Paris provided additional motivation.

"It was very difficult to accept what happened two years ago, and we do not want it to happen again.We want to finish this tournament in the best possible way", Captain Hugo Lloris said after a new series of heroic jumps on Tuesday.

Deschamps, who dominated the only victorious World Cup team in 1998, said the march toward Sunday's final was backed by a determination of steel.

"There is a spirit in the team that can move mountains," he said. "They are young and they will be even stronger in two and four years."

"We have created an opportunity to become world champions but we are still not there. But we want to fulfill our destiny. "