Mbappé Questions France Tactics After 2-0 World Cup Semifinal Loss to Spain
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 14
Mbappé Questions France Tactics After 2-0 World Cup Semifinal Loss to Spain
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 14
Summary
Kylian Mbappé publicly challenged France's setup after the 2-0 semifinal defeat, saying Spain controlled midfield and that a man-to-man press would have worked better.
Spain seized command after Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty for Lucas Digne's foul on Lamine Yamal, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz repeatedly finding time and space as France failed to disrupt the tempo.
Eight-goal Mbappé said France were sloppy technically and ineffective after regaining possession, while Didier Deschamps' second-half changes — including Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki — did not alter the match.
France's bid for a third straight World Cup final ended with Mbappé held scoreless, and the captain accepted responsibility after a late collision with Unai Simón brought a yellow card.
Spain, the defending European champions, have now beaten France three straight times; France next face the loser of Argentina-England in Saturday's third-place game in Miami Gardens.