No French player rated above 5/10 in 2-0 defeat to Spain

The French media reacted critically to the national team's performance following their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. France struggled to meet their usual standards, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a first-half penalty and Pedro Porro adding a second-half goal. The much-praised attacking quartet of France failed to make an impact, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and pundits alike.

L'Equipe's coverage featured a striking image of Kylian Mbappe, labelled a "fallen star," as they described the team as "powerless" against Spain. The publication's player ratings were harsh, with no player receiving more than a 5/10. Lucas Digne was notably marked down to 2/10 for conceding the penalty, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise also received low scores for their lacklustre performances.

Le Parisien described the match as a "rude awakening" for France, stating that the team struggled to penetrate the Spanish defence. Other outlets echoed this sentiment, with Corse Martin using the Spanish term for "disappointment" and highlighting that Didier Deschamps' side was "outclassed". Le Figaro remarked that Spain had "taught France a lesson," while Ouest France lamented the loss as the "end of the American dream."

Midfielder Rayan Cherki expressed the team's frustration, stating that they lost to themselves rather than to Spain or the referee. He acknowledged that the team had the potential to be a formidable force but failed to deliver on the day. Head coach Didier Deschamps also reflected on the match, citing technical flaws and the need for the team to perform at their best to secure victory against a strong Spanish side.

via Sky Sports