France’s 2024 European Championship campaign came to a heartbreaking end at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, July 10 (Philippine Standard Time), after losing 2-1 to Spain in an exhilarating semifinal encounter. The defeat marks a significant setback for a French team laden with talent and ambition, aiming to reclaim European glory.
France started the match on a high note, taking the lead through Randal Kolo Muani in the eighth minute. The young forward capitalized on a defensive lapse from Spain to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, igniting hopes of a French triumph. However, Spain demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, hitting back with two quick goals. Lamine Yamal equalized in the 21st minute with a brilliant strike, and just four minutes later, Dani Olmo's goal gave Spain the lead, which they maintained until the final whistle.
After the match, France's skipper Kylian Mbappe news did not mince words about his feelings regarding the tournament. In a candid interview, he admitted that his Euro 2024 performance was far from what he and the fans had expected.
“My competition? It was difficult. It was a failure. We had the ambition to be European champions, I had the ambition to be European champion. We aren’t that, so it’s a failure. It’s football. We have to move on. It’s been a long year. I’m going on holiday and get some rest - that will do me a lot of good, and I will try and come back strongly,” Mbappe stated.
🚨🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé: “In football you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2024
“My Euro was a failure”.
“I wanted to be European champion… I will now go on holiday, I will rest well, it will do me a lot of good, then I will get ready to start a new life. There's a lot to do”. pic.twitter.com/9QW45qMPtI
The 25-year-old, widely regarded as the best striker in the world, struggled throughout the tournament. He failed to score from open play in five games, managing to net only one goal from the penalty spot against Poland in the group stage. This underwhelming performance has sparked discussions about his role and expectations moving forward.
Mbappe wasn’t the only French star under scrutiny. Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann also faced criticism from fans and pundits alike for his lackluster performance. Despite the backlash, France's manager Didier Deschamps defended his players, taking full responsibility for the team's shortcomings.
“I am not going to pass on the responsibility; I am in charge and I am responsible. It was great because we took the lead, but this Spanish side masters the game so well. We didn’t perform so well in the end. We didn’t manage to play as vertically as I would have wished,” Deschamps explained in the post-match press conference.
Deschamps acknowledged that while his players gave their all, not all of them played at their full potential during the tournament. “We did push until the end. I will not say that my players did not give their all. But they did not all play at 100% of their capacity in this Euros for several reasons,” he added.
While there is no uncertainty about Mbappe's future with the national squad, there are reservations about Deschamps' place as the manager. Despite the early exit from Euro 2024, the 2018 World Cup-winning coach is expected to remain at the helm until at least the 2026 World Cup, given that he has two years remaining on his current contract.
As France grapples with its early exit, Spain marches on to the finals, showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience. Spain will face the winners of the England vs Netherlands semifinal, scheduled to take place at Signal Iduna Park on Thursday, July 11 (Philippine Standard Time).
Spain’s manager, Luis Enrique, has been praised for his tactical acumen and the ability to get the best out of his players. Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo have emerged as key figures in Spain's quest for the title, their performances pivotal in the semifinal victory.
For France, the focus now shifts to introspection and rebuilding. The French Football Federation will need to address the shortcomings displayed during the tournament and make strategic decisions to strengthen the team for future competitions. The disappointment of Euro 2024 can serve as a catalyst for change and improvement.
Kylian Mbappe’s declaration of the tournament being a failure might seem harsh, but it underscores his high standards and commitment to excellence. As he takes a break to recharge, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he bounces back from this setback. His journey towards redemption could be a compelling narrative leading up to the next major tournaments.
In conclusion, while France's Euro 2024 campaign may have ended in disappointment, the journey of football continues. Teams evolve, players grow, and new opportunities arise. As Mbappe and his teammates reflect on this experience, the lessons learned will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors on the international stage.
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