Jul 10th, 2018

Jul 10th, 2018

A controversial decision not to award Eden Hazard a late free-kick on the edge of the box may have cost Belgium their World Cup campaign.

With France leading by a goal at the 80th minute Hazard penetrated down the left flank with a darting run.

As he traced along the penalty box French striker Olivier Giroud collected the playmaker as he came sweeping across his body with his left leg.

Hazard met the turf as the majority of St.Petersburg stadium expected to hear the whistle but instead referee Andres Cunha vehemently waved away the claim.

In an instant, a flood of red shirts rushed Cunha in protestation but the Uruguayan was not having a bar.

"Defeat was down to one dead ball situation, that was how close the game was," Belgium coach Roberto Martinez told reporters after the game.

"I thought not having a little bit of luck was the difference. I'm so proud of the players, giving everything they had until the last."

Umtiti glances it home

“The game was very close, very tight and it was going to be decided by a little bit of luck in front of goal.”

Following the incident, the wind quickly dissipated from Belgium’s sails as both Olivier Giroud and Antoinne Griezmann had a pair of threatening shots on Thubaut Courtois in the final minutes.



The young French outfit were in raptures at the whistle as they booked their first World Cup final berth since 2006.



They will face the winner of England and Croatia who square off tomorrow morning at 4am.