There was a definite case of sour grapes for Belgium following their semi-final exit to France in the World Cup. The man leading the sentiment was Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who criticised the French tactical approach, calling it 'anti-football':
It's just an anti-football team. Their striker plays 30 metres from his own goal. France heads a corner and does nothing more than defend.
I would have preferred to have lost in the quarter-finals to Brazil, at least that was a team that wanted to play football.
Didier Deschamps men did retreat significantly once Samuel Umitit gave Les Bleus the lead on 51 minutes, with Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud coming deep into his own half as France successfully protected their lead.
Hazard was another Belgian who was not especially gracious in defeat, saying after the game that he would prefer to lose with his Belgian side than win playing how France did.
France striker Antoine Griezmann has responded to Courtois' broadside by having a pop at Chelsea's style of play, and stated that he didn't care how France play now that they are in the World Cup final:
Does Thibaut Courtois think he plays Barcelona football at Chelsea? I don't care how, I want a second star to be on this shirt. That is all.
France will play Croatia in the World Cup final at 4pm on Sunday, and will be heavy favourites as they look to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
