Coach Deschamps: 'Cruel results for France'
"If we lose 0-2, we will not be in pain like this and will congratulate Argentina," coach Deschamps shared after the World Cup final on December 18. "There were so many emotions going on. After all, it was cruel because we were so close to winning."
In the first 70 minutes of the match, France was completely inferior to Argentina. Deschamps teachers and students did not finish a single time and were led by two goals by the opponent. However, the game turned when Kylian Mbappe scored twice in 97 seconds, making the score 2-2 in the 81st minute. France then held the advantage mentally and physically, but could not decide the match in two main innings.
In extra time, Messi raised the score to 3-2 but Mbappe completed his hat-trick to equalize 3-3. In the last minute of extra time, Kolo Muani had a dangerous finish in the face of Emiliano Martinez, but the Argentina goalkeeper saved it with his foot. In the final seconds, Kylian Mbappe missed the opportunity to score a fourth, when the ball was in the penalty area. France then lost 2-4 in the penalty shootout.
"For the first 70 minutes, our opponents played classy, energetic football," added Deschamps. "Many French players played badly for different reasons. But in a difficult situation, we were like 'come back from the dead'. We regret that we missed many opportunities at the end of the half, and in the half. As a side, we were even more tormented because we missed the last minute of the meal. If we lost big, the feeling would be very different. Anyway, I congratulate Argentina because they played great football."
Coach Deschamps praised the young, inexperienced players at the World Cup who came on as a substitute and brought a new breeze to France. Kolo Muani brought the penalty to help Mbappe shorten the score to 1-2, while Eduardo Camavinga and Marcus Thuram repeatedly tormented the Argentine defense thanks to strength and speed. "They helped the whole team relive the dream of defending the championship," Deschamps said. "But unfortunately, in the end, we couldn't reach that dream."
The 54-year-old strategist also paid tribute to Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the final and became the World Cup's top scorer with eight goals. When asked about the future, Deschamps left open the possibility of continuing to lead the French team. "Right now, me and the whole team are very sad," he said. "Even if France wins, I won't always answer the question about the future. At the beginning of next year, I will talk to the president of the Federation. Then all will be answered."
Deschamps has led the French national team since 2012. In 2018, he helped France win the World Cup - something Deschamps did as a France international in 1998. Besides, he also led France to the final of Euro 2016, the World Cup. Cup 2022 and win the UEFA Nations League 2020-2021.
