Mbappé Laments "Not the Game We Wanted" in World Cup Semifinal Loss

France's World Cup dream ended with a 2-0 semifinal defeat to Spain, leaving captain Kylian Mbappé deeply disappointed. "I think we didn't play the game we wanted to play, neither tactically, nor technically, nor at the overall level we offered," Mbappé told M6 after the match in Arlington, Texas. He acknowledged that France made "too many technical inaccuracies" to effectively threaten Spain's defense. Mbappé analyzed that Spain successfully executed its game plan, focusing on ball possession and controlling the match's tempo. France's strategy to disrupt this rhythm through high pressing failed, allowing Spanish midfielders like Fabián Ruiz and Rodri ample time on the ball. "Technically, the first passes, the first touches (ours), were not up to the standard of a World Cup semifinal," Mbappé stated, concluding that these factors led to the loss. He lamented the missed opportunity to reach the final and make history for his country, emphasizing the need to accept defeat with dignity. Midfielder Rayan Cherki was even more direct, admitting Spain was superior in "all aspects of the game." Cherki felt Spain "wanted it more" and acknowledged that despite believing France to be the better team overall, they were outplayed on the day. He defended teammate Lucas Digne, whose penalty conceded the first goal, calling it a "play of the game." Cherki added that the team felt immense disappointment, especially after conceding a second goal that sealed their fate.

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I think we didn't play the game we wanted to play, neither tactically, nor technically, nor at the overall level we offered. And when you don't do what you're supposed to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don't win.