The French team failed to celebrate Didier Deschamps’ last with dignity, the Blues having been severely beaten on Saturday by England 6-4 during the “small final” of the World Cup at the end of a completely crazy match, marked by the double of Kylian Mbappé, the only holder of the record for goals in the World Cup.
This end is cruel for the now ex-boss of the Blues, who had urged his troops not to waste their final meeting despite the lack of stakes. It tarnishes a good run in the World Cup despite the elimination in the last four and does not honor everything that Deschamps has brought to the French selection since 2012.
The technician will long remember his farewell, so eventful, on the lawn of the Hard Rock Stadium with no less than 10 goals scored by the two teams at the end of a game with an incredible scenario.
Deschamps, who hoped to end his 14 prosperous years as coach on a high note, went through all the emotions, being very close to humiliation following a nightmarish first period before the late and ultimately useless awakening of his players, driven by captain Mbappé.
The Tricolores, who had clearly not digested their semi-final exit against Spain (2-0) on Tuesday, suffered the lightning of the English at the start of the match by conceding four goals by Declan Rice (3rd), Ezri Konsa (18th) and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th +1), who pierced an apathetic and overwhelmed defense.
The French rearguard took on water from all sides, forcing Deschamps to make no fewer than four changes at half-time. The entries of attackers Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola as well as defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne suddenly boosted the Blues, who reduced the score through Mbappé (48th, 66th) and Barcola (54th), making the end of the game quite unreal.
An epilogue with a very bitter taste for Deschamps
This burst was ultimately in vain and the French did not manage to offer an outcome worthy of the name to their boss, Saka scoring the hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th) before a goal from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time (90th+8) which dashed France’s last hopes just after a score by Ousmane Dembélé, his 6th achievement in the competition (90th+6).
If the outcome is very sad for Deschamps, the attackers, lost against La Roja in the semi-final, at least found, in the space of 45 minutes, this spectacular game which had enchanted the planet at the start of the tournament.
Failing to afford a second world title after that of 2018, Mbappé leaves the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals in three final phases, he is now the only goal record holder in the World Cup and is at the top of the scorers’ rankings for the 2026 edition (10).
Enough to put a lot of pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will however have plenty of time to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain, Sunday in East Rutherford (New Jersey).
The captain was exemplary to the end in the United States and faithful to his status. Already winner of the Golden Shoe in 2022 in Qatar, the Real Madrid striker is well on his way to succeeding himself, barring a resounding feat from the Albiceleste star in the final.
Deschamps cannot say the same about the other Blues who for a long time seemed absolutely unconcerned by the match, like the defenders. But how can you blame players who came to this World Cup to win a third star, but bruised by their defeat in the semi-final and forced in return to fight for an anecdotal bronze medal?
For the English and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, under heavy criticism after Wednesday’s defeat against Argentina (2-1), the result is, however, a small consolation and will perhaps be likely to silence the debates.
Didier Deschamps will give up his apron frustrated by this epilogue with a very bitter taste.
