France eliminated by Spain, Deschamps and Cherki clash after 2–0 loss
France crash out, Spain win 2–0 in the semi-final
It is over. France lost 0–2 to Spain in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, and the dream of a third straight final is gone (1) (2) (8). Spain controlled it. The BBC called it "a special team beats brilliant individuals" (8). Kicker labelled it "a pretty perfect lesson" (4). No French player could change the momentum.
The defeat stings more when you look at the pattern. Spain have now knocked France out of four straight competitions: Euro 2024 semi-final, the 2024 Olympic final, the 2025 Nations League semi-final, and now this World Cup semi-final.
Cherki: "What do you think?"
Rayan Cherki was not hiding his frustration. Subbed in late during the semi-final, his response when asked about it was sharp: "A ton avis?", "What do you think?" (3). The question now is whether Deschamps got it wrong, and Cherki clearly thinks he did.
Deschamps under fire for tactical choices
The French press are not holding back. "Il a fait n'importe quoi du début à la fin!", he messed up from start to finish, is the tone around Deschamps' decisions against Spain (10). Tchouaméni, Barcola, the substitutions. Everything is being questioned. Deschamps now holds the record for most World Cup games coached at 26, overtaking Helmut Schön's 25, but the record will not soften this exit.
Sunderland close in on France U21's Noe Lebreton
Away from the World Cup, France U21 midfielder Noe Lebreton is close to joining Sunderland from NEC Nijmegen (5). The 21-year-old would follow a path Sunderland have used before, picking up talent from the Netherlands.
Argentina fans mock the exit
Across the Atlantic, Argentina fans did not hide their glee. They held "a minute of silence for France who is dead" after the semi-final result (6). The rivalry remains alive and well.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood is brutal. One fan on r/soccer pointed out the grim run: Spain have now eliminated France from four consecutive tournaments across three different competitions. Another thread captured Mbappé admitting "we messed up" with the press, describing their approach against Spain's buildup as naive. A separate post noted Deschamps has reportedly complained to FIFA, though Cherki publicly contrasted that by saying everything was fair. Read more on r/soccer
Sources
- 1. n-tv.de — Dümmstes Foul der WM-Historie: Frankreichs überforderte Superstars fallen in Schockstarre
- 2. faz.net — 0:2 gegen Spanien: Frankreich und die offenen Fragen
- 3. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — France-Espagne: "A ton avis?", l'agacement de Rayan Cherki sur son entrée en jeu tardive
- 4. kicker.de — Spaniens "ziemlich perfekte" Lehrstunde für Frankreich - und ein Duo, das herausstach
- 5. fourfourtwo.com — Sunderland repeat Robin Roefs transfer with France international signing close
- 6. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — "Une minute de silence pour la France qui est morte", les supporters argentins ont bien célébré l'élimination des Bleus
- 8. bbc.co.uk — A special team beats brilliant individuals - how silky Spain flattened France
- 10. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — France-Espagne: "Il a fait n'importe quoi du début à la fin!", Tchouaméni, Barcola, remplacements... Deschamps s'est-il trompé tactiquement?