Deschamps criticizes referee after France's World Cup semifinal loss to Spain
France lost 0-2 to Spain in the World Cup semifinal. Coach Didier Deschamps praised Spain's superiority and questioned the referee's level for such a match.
France's national football team suffered a painful defeat in the World Cup semifinal, losing 0-2 to Spain. Head coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged that Spain was superior both tactically and technically.
Deschamps praised the Spanish team's ability to control the game and intercept passes, stating that his side failed to find solutions. He also noted that the players were devastated, as the team had high ambitions, but realistically they were a step behind in technical level tonight.
At the same time, the French coach directed harsh words at the match referee, Ivan Barton from El Salvador. Deschamps rhetorically asked whether the referee was of an appropriate level to officiate a World Cup semifinal, insisting he was not saying this just because of the loss. He added that the fourth and fifth officials were of a high standard.
This was Deschamps' penultimate match as France's head coach. After the bronze medal game, he will be replaced by Zinedine Zidane. Deschamps did not want to talk about the future yet but expressed pride in what the team had achieved, including the previous World Cup title.
The second semifinal will take place tonight between England and Argentina.
