Kylian Mbappe Calls France 'Sloppy' After World Cup Semifinal Loss to Spain

Kylian Mbappe did not mince words following France's World Cup semifinal defeat, labeling his team's performance as "sloppy" after Spain secured a 2-0 victory. The French captain expressed disappointment with both the tactical execution and the technical quality of his team's play, which ultimately prevented them from reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.

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We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that's hard.

Mbappe pointed to a significant breakdown in midfield control, where Spain's Rodri and Fabian Ruiz were afforded ample space and time to dictate the game's tempo. "We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that's hard," Mbappe stated. He lamented a "lack of communication on the press" and suggested a man-to-man approach would have been more effective. The Real Madrid forward also criticized France's performance with the ball, noting "too sloppy technically" play, poor first touches, and missed opportunities that hindered their ability to threaten the Spanish defense.

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Fabian and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press. I think we should have done ⁠man-to-man press and force ⁠them to run with us.

France entered the semifinal with an impressive record, having won their previous six matches and scored 16 goals. However, they struggled to impose their attacking game against Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a penalty in the 22nd minute after a foul by Lucas Digne, and Pedro Porro extended Spain's lead before the hour mark. Despite tactical adjustments made by coach Didier Deschamps, including substitutions at halftime, France could not find a way back into the match.

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We didn't play the game we wanted, technically, tactically.

Mbappe, who finished the tournament with eight goals, tied for the Golden Boot lead, took personal responsibility as captain. "As the captain, I have to take all the responsibility and I have no problem with that," he said. "We wanted to go to the final. We didn't go." France is now set to compete for third place against the loser of the Argentina-England semifinal.

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When you don't do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don't win.