"Yesterday, in Russia, Belgium played a great game against France. Belgians are generally not too chauvinists but, frankly, Emmanuel, yesterday the French team was very lucky," Michel told French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the NATO summit.

France beat neighboring Belgium 1-0 in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to reach the World Cup final, where they will face either Croatia or England.

France defender Samuel Umtiti scored in the 51st minute with a near post header from forward Antoine Griezmann’s corner to secure his side’s narrow victory.

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not hide his disappointment after the match, calling the French team out for sticking to defense. Courtois told Belgian RTBF broadcaster that it was frustrating to lose to "a team that is not better than us." The goalkeeper added that it was a pity for football that Belgium did not win.

Belgian national team captain Eden Hazard said the French team were "defending and hiding."

French forward Kylian Mbappe, faced with accusations of stalling, offered a non-apologetic apology.

"They can think what they want. If I offended them, I am sorry. But me, I am in the final," Mbappe said, as quoted by France Info broadcaster.

Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was more lenient toward France than his teammates, pointing out that both teams had had opportunities.