In pictures: France celebrates reaching World Cup final after 20 years

France defeated Belgium with a 1-0 victory to book their ticket to the World Cup final in Saint Petersburg

A headed goal by Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti was enough for France to book their spot in the World Cup final , consigning Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to another bitter disappointment.

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The French national anthem La Marseillaise, chants of “We’re in the final” and a cacophony of car horns and fire crackers rang out over Paris on Tuesday as residents of the capital celebrated France’s march to the World Cup final.

A crowd of 20,000 gathered to watch Didier Deschamps’ team beat Belgium 1-0 in their semi-final in Saint Petersburg on a giant screen at Paris’ historic Hotel de Ville, or town hall.

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People celebrate France's victory in front of The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees after the final whistle.

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

French football supporters celebrate in Strasbourg.

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People celebrate France's victory in central Paris.

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PHOTO: AFP

Residents sit outside as they watch a television in the village of Marato in Cognocoli-Monticchi.



PHOTO: AFP

People celebrate France's victory in Marseille hold harbour.

PHOTO: AFP