Didier Deschamps tried to win a second World Cup with France but failed and was not happy after his team lost to Spain
Didier Deschamps after France’s loss to Spain at the World Cup (Image: (Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
France national team coach Didier Deschamps questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint Yvan Barton, the referee for France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain. Deschamps was unable to win his second World Cup as France manager, but goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Polo ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side will advance to Sunday’s final against England or Argentina.
But the 57-year-old was furious at Barton’s decision to award Spain a penalty in the first half after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal as he tried to clear the ball. He even asked reporters in his postgame press conference if he thought Barton was capable of playing that many games.
“There’s obviously a lot of disappointment,” Deschamps said. “The players are devastated because we had high aspirations.
“We have to be realistic, but we have to admit that today we were a step below technically against a team that knew what they were doing, and that’s mainly our fault.
“Then I ask the question, but I’m not going to answer it: ‘Is this referee competent enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?’
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“There were some situations like that, but I’m not going to answer that. I’m not saying this because we lost today, but there were certain situations…often situations that were against us.”
In a separate interview, Deschamps added: “I’m not going to go into too much detail about that because otherwise I’ll sound like a crybaby. Are the referees up to the standard of officiating a World Cup semi-final? That’s for you to decide.”
“Next to me were referees fourth and fifth who were equally good. It’s not just the penalty, it’s a combination of factors. We’ve had other games where we’ve been in more or less complicated situations. I’m not going to disagree with the referees tonight, but you have to ask yourself that question.”
“But the main reason was that we were a little below par and were less dangerous in attack than we should have been. We made some technical errors and passing mistakes that could have led to situations and chances.”
“We have to accept it. Even if it hurts, this is the highest level. This was the last step before the possibility of a final… That’s why we play the third place match. We play. That doesn’t diminish anything we have achieved. But in this game Spain showed something special.”
Asked about Deschamps’ comments, Spain coach de la Fuente said: “Well, when things don’t go your way, you can always find an excuse. I’ve certainly had some difficult times as a referee.”
“Sometimes it reminds me of the game against Uruguay, but I think it has to do with the referee’s leniency. I think we need to keep an eye on the game and not let things get out of hand.”
“But if that’s the case, it means we’ve both struggled. I don’t think it was quite the opposite at all. In fact, they ruled out goals and some very close situations, especially some offside actions.”
“But in any case, I’m not in a position to think about the referees right now. What I want is for everyone to obviously improve, from the referees to VAR to everyone who makes us football, and for us all to get a little bit better every day.”
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