By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Kylian Mpappe said he and his France teammates did not perform well to progress to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final after their 2-0 defeat against Spain on Tuesday.
France went into the game as the favourite but Didier Deschamps’ men were completely outplayed by a better tactical and technical Spain.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain’s spot in the World Cup Final, since the last time they won the tournament in South Africa 2010.
Luis de la Fuente’s men completely dominated France, restricting them to just two shots on target all game. France had scored 16 goals before the game but Spain rendered Mbappe and his co-attackers ineffective.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe described the French team’s performance as disappointing and not worthy of a final spot.
“We did not produce the performance we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” Mbappe said.
“When you fail to do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you do not win.
“Spain stuck to their plan and to what they believe in. There was a lack of communication in our pressing, even when we won possession back, our first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the game, France Coach Didier Deschamps said his team lost to a better team.
“The players are devastated, but we have to be clear-headed: technically, we were second best. That is on us.”
Pedro Porro who scored the second goal for Spain said the victory is a dream come true for him, and added that his side did everything right against a brilliant team.
“A dream come true to be honest. I never even imagined anything like this, not even in my wildest dreams,” Porro said.
“We did everything right against a team that was having a brilliant World Cup,” he added.
Spain will discover their final opponents on Wednesday when England face Argentina in Atlanta for a place in Sunday’s final.(Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh