ST PETERSBURG, July 10 -- Belgium coach, Roberto Martinez said he was proud of his players despite the narrow 1-0 defeat to France which saw them fall at the last hurdle before the World Cup finals.

Samuel Umtiti's 51st minute header decided the game and France will play Sunday's final, while Belgium will play in the game for third and fourth place on Saturday.

"I think today is a game that was very tight and there were not many big moments that were going to decide the game. I thought we were growing into the game when we conceded the goal from the corner. The difference between defeat and winning was down to one dead ball situation," said Martinez.

"That first goal was going to be vital. If we'd scored, France would have opened up, but we didn't, and it came down to a corner kick," he lamented.

Martinez said his side had given everything they had and had not suffered nerves in the game, although he was sad their usual attacking football lacked a cutting edge.

"That little bit of composure in the final third that we usually have...we got into good situations, but not scoring the first goal meant it was difficult," said the Belgium coach, who credited the "the way France defended...we couldn't find that magic in front of goal."

"The focus of the group was to win the tournament, so it's a sad dressing room and that makes me proud," he said, insisting Belgium would "give everything" to try and finish third.

【体坛英语资讯：Martinez laments lack of magic as Belgium lose to France in World Cup semi】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russias Safina snatches German Open title

★ 体坛英语资讯：China sweeps womens top three at Xiamen marathon

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan to be freed from rehab this week

★ 体坛英语资讯：Bayi loses do-or-die Game 4 to exit CBA play-offs

★ 体坛资讯：Henman tops Moya to advance at Wimbledon

★ 体坛英语资讯：French drive plus local nous to revive women

★ 体坛英语资讯：Domanski still mum on coaching in China

★ 体坛英语资讯：Llodra beats Soderling to win Rotterdam tennis title

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hosts hopes up in the air at World Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Roddick to skip Olympics with U.S. Open in mind