ARLINGTON, Texas – Kylian Mbappe appeared to question his coach Didier Deschamps’ approach and tactics following France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.
The result ended France’s quest to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, with Mbappe left without a point and ending the tournament with eight goals, sharing the lead with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
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Spain midfielder Rodri was dynamic throughout the match as the reigning European champions, who have now beaten France three times in a row, got the better of Deschamps’ team, which had dominated their first six games in North America.
“We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, it’s tough,” Mbappe said after the game. “Fabian (Ruiz) and Rodri had a lot of time to play. There was not enough communication with the press. I think we should have put in some personal pressure and made them run with us.”
Mbappe also scored eight goals four years ago in Qatar, where France lost to Messi and Argentina in a penalty shootout in the final. France beat Croatia to win the World Cup eight years ago in Russia.
However, France disappointed at every stage of the game on Tuesday, something Mbappe acknowledged and also provided a tactical analysis. They were never able to gain a foothold in the game, with Spain in complete control, especially after Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot following Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal.
“We didn’t play the game we wanted, technically or tactically,” Mbappe said. “If you don’t do what you have to do in a World Cup semi-final, you won’t win. Spain respected their game plan and what the team usually does. They like to control the ball and the pace. Our plan was to push them high so they couldn’t establish their rhythm.”
“Because they manage the game better than us. We failed to do this. We were too careless technically. We couldn’t hurt them, although we could.”
Kylian Mbappe and France were eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday. Getty Images
But the Real Madrid star also highlighted the mistakes made by his players after Spain managed to win the ball back from France even as they lost possession.
“Even when we got the ball back, our first touches weren’t good enough. This gives defeat. This is a huge disappointment. But if we are objective, we did not put in all the ingredients to reach the final,” Mbappe said.
Deschamps tried to change the game with second-half changes – sending off Adrien Rabiot at half-time and later bringing on Désiré Douhet and Manchester City striker Ryan Cherki – but none of the changes made any difference to the result.
“I don’t know what to say. They were better than us in all parts of the game and I think they were hungrier than us,” Cherki said after the game. “It’s sad because I still believe we are a better team than them, but today Spain were better than us. Even on a day off we have to be a little better technically, tactically and in desire.
“In many ways, France today lacked everything. Indeed, today everything was missing. We will be back in four years and will not repeat the same mistakes.”
Frustration seemed to boil over for Mbappe, 27, in the 86th minute when he rushed towards Unai Simon just as the Spain goalkeeper stooped to collect the ball. The two collided, sending Simon to the grass and earning Mbappe a yellow card.
“As captain, I have to take full responsibility and I have no problem with that,” Mbappe said. “We wanted to reach the final. We didn’t go.”
France will play the losers of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England in the third-place match on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.