The World Cup dream shattered for France, and the question on everyone's mind is: what went wrong? As an analyst, I'm here to dissect the shocking 2-0 defeat to Spain, a result that left the French players in despair and the nation wondering how their favorites crumbled.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: France's performance was abysmal. Rayan Cherki's words, 'We lost against ourselves,' couldn't be more accurate. They were outplayed, outsmarted, and outclassed by a Spanish side that had become their kryptonite. This wasn't a mere coincidence; it was the third consecutive semi-final victory for Spain over France, and this time, it was on the grandest stage of them all.
The French team, ranked No. 1 and boasting a formidable forward line, seemed destined for glory in New York. But instead, they found themselves in Miami, contemplating a third-place play-off. The team that had dazzled the tournament with their attacking prowess suddenly looked like strangers on the field. It's as if the magic had vanished.
Didier Deschamps' tactics have come under scrutiny. Was it a mistake to field four out-and-out attackers against a Spanish side known for their ball control? Kylian Mbappe's comments suggest a deeper issue with the team's strategy. The French attack, usually a force to be reckoned with, was rendered impotent, with a mere 0.3 xG—a stark contrast to their usual dominance.
The individual performances were equally concerning. Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, had a quiet game, and Michael Olise, the creative spark of the team, was effectively neutralized. The early substitution of Bradley Barcola and the injury-plagued William Saliba further disrupted their rhythm.
One can't help but wonder if France's previous success had bred overconfidence. Cherki's admission that they might have underestimated their opponents hints at a psychological factor. When you're used to winning, facing adversity can be a shock to the system. This is a valuable lesson for any team: complacency can be your downfall.
The early penalty conceded by Lucas Digne set the tone for France's struggles. Adrien Rabiot's poor discipline and William Saliba's fitness issues didn't help their cause. It was a collective failure, as Patrick Vieira rightly pointed out. The French team simply didn't show up, and Spain took full advantage.
As France bids farewell to Deschamps and welcomes Zinedine Zidane, they have four years to reflect and regroup. The talent is there, but as we've seen, talent alone doesn't guarantee success. Spain's victory is a reminder that in football, as in life, you're only as good as your last performance. France will need to learn from this defeat, adapt, and come back stronger. That's the beauty and brutality of the World Cup.
