France coach Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment over his team’s performance in a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinals. This loss marked France’s first knockout match defeat since the 2014 quarter-final against Germany, ending a streak of 11 matches with 10 wins and 1 draw.
Deschamps acknowledged that this was France’s fourth defeat in World Cup semi-finals, occurring in 1958, 1982, 1986, and 2026, out of eight appearances. He admitted that Spain controlled the game and highlighted his team’s technical shortcomings, leading to a lack of attacking threat.
Spain secured the victory with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty in the 22nd minute and Pedro Porro’s strike just before the hour mark. Deschamps credited Spain’s defensive organization and their ability to contain star player Kylian Mbappe as crucial factors in the match outcome.
Deschamps refrained from discussing his future as coach after the World Cup, emphasizing his pride in the team’s achievements and the need to accept defeat graciously. France will now compete in the third-place playoff, while Deschamps commended Spain for their performance in a high-level football encounter.
