‘We lack communication on the press’ - Mbappe blames tactical failures for France's defeat to Spain

France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final were dashed in Texas as a clinical Spanish side controlled the match from the outset.

Mikel Oyarzabal gave the Spanish side the lead in the first half after Yamal was brought down in the box by Digne. Pedro Porro went on to seal the game in the second half, giving the French team no chance for a comeback.

Mbappe, a standout player throughout the tournament, was visibly frustrated as his team struggled to make an impact. 

After the final whistle, the superstar forward pointed to the tactical setup as a key reason for their downfall, highlighting how Spain's midfielders were given too much freedom.

The French captain expressed his frustration after the match in Arlington, suggesting that a flawed pressing game and poor communication allowed Spain's midfield to dominate the contest.

"We were three against two in midfield, and against Spain, that's hard," Mbappe stated. "Fabian [Ruiz] and Rodri had plenty of time to play. 

“There was a lack of communication in the press. I think we should have done man-to-man press and forced them to run with us."

While Mbappe was critical of the team's strategy, he also acknowledged France's own technical shortcomings. 

"We didn't play the game we wanted, technically, tactically," Mbappe admitted. "When you don't do what you have to do in a World Cup semifinal, you don't win. 

“Our plan was to press them high so they could not install their rhythm... We didn't manage to do it. We were too sloppy technically."

The defeat marks a bitter end to France's campaign, as they now head to a third-place playoff in Miami Gardens while Spain advances to the final.