Moscow July 11 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Frances semi-final victory over Belgium and advancement to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final the Kremlin press service said.
"Shortly after the semi-final game between teams of France and Belgium Russian President Vladimir Putin made a phone call to French President Emmanuel Macron who was present at the game. Putin warmly congratulated Macron and all French fans on their team s victory in this match and their advancement to the World Cup final " the statement read reports TASS news agency.
The statement was released early on Wednesday.
Moreover the Russian president also made a phone call to King Philippe of Belgium who was also present at the game. Putin noted that "Team Belgium has demonstrated supreme football throughout the entire championship " the Kremlin press service said.
France defeated Belgium 1-0 in the semi-final on Tuesday night in Saint Petersburg to become the first team to reach the final.

--IANS ajb/bg