Deschamps says France 'devastated' by defeat, questions referee

France’s hopes of securing a third World Cup title came crashing down on Tuesday as they fell 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Coach Didier Deschamps described the loss as “devastating” and raised concerns over the officiating, questioning whether the referee was up to the standard required for such a high-stakes match. The defeat marked the end of a campaign that saw France score 16 goals in six games, drawing praise for its attacking flair and potential to be compared with some of the greatest teams in World Cup history. The match unfolded in favor of Spain, who displayed superior control and tactical discipline throughout. Despite France’s efforts to dominate possession and create chances, Spain’s defense held firm while their forward line capitalized on key moments. Two goals, both scored by Lamine Yamal, proved decisive, sealing Spain’s place in the final against either England or Argentina. Deschamps, who will step down as head coach following the tournament, admitted the loss was painful but insisted the responsibility lay with his team rather than external factors. The controversy surrounding the match centered around a pivotal decision made by referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador. In the first half, France defender Lucas Digne appeared to foul Yamal, leading to a penalty kick that was converted by Spain. Deschamps did not shy away from criticizing the call, asking pointedly whether Barton met the standards needed to referee a World Cup semi-final. He acknowledged that Spain had received favorable decisions during the match but stopped short of fully condemning the officiating, suggesting there were multiple instances where the outcome might have been influenced. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated the victory, calling his squad the “best team in the world.” This statement followed a series of confident declarations from him throughout the tournament, and it seemed vindicated by the performance against France. De la Fuente, who led Spain to the European Championship title in 2024, emphasized the consistency of his approach, which had taken shape nearly four years prior. His team’s ability to outplay France, a nation known for its attacking prowess, underscored the depth of preparation and strategy behind Spain’s success. The win extended Spain’s dominance over France in recent encounters, with La Roja now having defeated their rivals in three consecutive competitive matches. For de la Fuente, the result represented more than just a semi-final triumph, it was a step toward Spain’s first World Cup final since 2010. He praised his players for their dedication, teamwork, and skill, noting how they consistently transformed challenging tasks into seemingly effortless performances. As Spain prepared for the final, speculation mounted about their opponents. England and Argentina would face off in the upcoming match to determine who would meet Spain in the championship game. Both teams had shown resilience and quality throughout the tournament, making the final highly anticipated. Meanwhile, France’s exit left a void in the competition, with Deschamps reflecting on the journey that had brought his team so close to glory yet fallen short in the crucial moment. The outcome of the semi-final will likely influence discussions about the future of both teams. Spain’s progression signaled a new era under de la Fuente, while France’s failure to advance highlighted areas needing improvement. As the tournament moved forward, the focus shifted to the final, where Spain aimed to etch their name into World Cup history once again.