JAKARTA - The French national team lost to Argentina in the Qatar 2022 World Cup final, Sunday, December 18. Hugo Lloris and his friends had to admit Argentina's superiority on penalties.
France coach Didier Deschamps thinks his team didn't play well in the first 60 minutes. This can't be done clearly against an Argentine-class team.
Luckily, Les Bleus was able to rise. But unfortunately, France had to lose in a "cruel way", said Deschamps.
"We weren't as good in the first 60 minutes against high-quality opponents who had more energy, but we got up from nowhere and reversed a very difficult situation. It made us even more sorry," said Deschamps.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the final two minutes to cancel Argentina's two-goal lead and force an extension of time.
He scored again from the penalty to complete his hat-trick and equalized again 3-3 after Lionel Messi had put Argentina 3-2 up.
Randal Kolo Muani almost scored in the final moments before Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni failed to carry out their duties in those two penalties.
"We had the chance to win this World Cup in the last minute, but that didn't happen," said Deschamps.
"You have to say 'bravo' to them. I don't want to disrespect Argentina but there are a lot of emotions and in the end it's really cruel considering we're so close (to becoming champions)," he continued.
Deschamps later said the reason his team didn't perform well in the early hours of the game. He said the virus that hit some of his players ahead of the final had made them look bad.
"There are many reasons that explain why we are not that good. Some important players lack energy. Putting younger players with a little experience but fresher and quality has made our dreams come alive," said Deschamps.
"Unfortunately, the dream didn't come true," he concluded, as reported by Antara via AFP, Monday, December 19.
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