TV10 Sports File
France’s dream of a third straight World Cup final came to a painful end as they were outclassed 2-0 by a dominant Spain side in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal, while Pedro Porro added a second goal to seal Spain’s place in Sunday’s final.
La Roja will now face either Argentina or England, while France will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday. France captain Kylian Mbappé, who had been in sensational form with eight goals in the tournament, was left disappointed but gave a brutally honest assessment of the defeat.
“We didn’t play the football we wanted — neither technically nor tactically,” Mbappé said. “When you don’t do what you’re supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you don’t win.” The Real Madrid star admitted that Spain’s masterful control of the ball and midfield dominance exposed France’s shortcomings.
“Spain love to control the game and the tempo. Our plan was to press high and disrupt that rhythm, but we couldn’t. We were outnumbered in midfield (3 vs 2) and Rodri and Fabián Ruiz had too much time on the ball. Even when we won possession back, our first touches and passes weren’t good enough for this level.”
Mbappé took full responsibility as captain: “As the leader, I have to take it on the chin. We wanted to reach the final and make history for our country. We didn’t. Spain deserved the win — they stuck to their plan perfectly.”
Coach Didier Deschamps also acknowledged that his team fell short technically against a superior opponent. France failed to register a shot on target until late in the game, a rare off-day for a side that had been one of the tournament favourites.
This marks the first time in Mbappé’s career that France have failed to reach a World Cup final with him in the squad, after back-to-back appearances in 2018 (winners) and 2022 (runners-up). Reaction in Uganda.
Ugandan football fans who had backed Les Bleus expressed mixed emotions, with many praising Mbappé’s class in defeat.
Spain now stand on the brink of a second World Cup title, while France will look to end their campaign on a high in the bronze medal match. Stay locked on TV10 Sport for full highlights, post-match analysis, and build-up to the final! What did you think of France’s exit?
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