David Lee in Russia: France's defenders come to the fore at the World Cup

France's coach Didier Deschamps may still be considered by many as a safe coach, and is regarded as a great motivator to his players by his players. PHOTO: AFP
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MOSCOW - They were facing the tournament's top scorers with 14 goals scored by nine different players, a team that had beaten mighty Brazil for their fifth successive win, and were the only nation with a 100 per cent record at this World Cup.

But, with a workmanlike 1-0 semi-final triumph on Tuesday (July 10) in St Petersburg, France shut out Belgium and put the Red Devils to the sword.

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