France falters at first real hurdle as superstars fail to shine

World Cup: France falters at first real hurdle against Spain as superstars fail to shine

France at times felt like the inevitable champions of this World Cup, but they came unstuck in the semifinals. (Getty Images: Rico Brouwer)

For all the hype surrounding France, it folded at the first serious examination of its World Cup credentials, its campaign ending in a spectacular collapse in a 2-0 semifinal defeat by Spain.

France was every bit as poor as it had been during the opening hour of the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

That night, however, it fought its way back, lost only on penalties and could leave with the pride of having helped produce one of the greatest World Cup games.

There was no such consolation on Wednesday (AEST). This was a Spanish masterclass, and France was reduced to little more than helpless witnesses.

Kylian Mbappé was frustrated with the referee, even though the referee had no real impact on the game. (Getty Images: David Buono)

"The players are devastated, but we have to be clear-headed: technically, we were second best. That is on us," coach Didier Deschamps said.

It was as though those who had installed France as tournament favourite had completely misread the balance of power, and the French players themselves badly misjudged it too.

"We knew their main strength was their ability to play at a false tempo [slow the game down]. At times, we should have done the same. It was more difficult than we expected," France's second-half substitute Rayan Cherki said.

Spain, led by Lamine Yamal, who had declared with the swagger of a teenager that France were the ones who should be afraid, had understood it perfectly.

The symbol of France's resounding failure was Michael Olise.

Hailed as an old-school playmaker and thrust into the Ballon d'Or conversation, Olise looked utterly lost on the Dallas Stadium pitch.

Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise both had poor games against Spain. (Getty Images: Rico Brouwer)

Starved of space and ideas, he repeatedly surrendered possession and was comprehensively outclassed by Rodri, who dictated the match with ruthless authority, gliding through midfield.

The 24-year-old gave the ball away 20 times and failed to complete a single dribble, a damning return for the player France had expected to unlock Spain's defence.

Olise, however, was far from the only French attacker who disappeared when the stakes were highest.

Ousmane Dembélé posed almost no threat, while Bradley Barcola and his replacement, Desire Doué, were equally blunt, leaving France's vaunted forward line looking strangely powerless.

Kylian Mbappé's moment of magic never arrived, and the loudest roar of the afternoon came instead when David and Victoria Beckham appeared on the giant screen.

France looked vulnerable throughout against the first side at this World Cup that was willing — and able — to go toe-to-toe with it.

Spain's midfield maestro Rodri was sensational. (Getty Images: Shaun Botterill)

Deschamps' double pivot in midfield was quickly overrun.

Adrien Rabiot picked up an early yellow card that blunted his aggression, while Aurelien Tchouameni, short of rhythm and stamina after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury, struggled to keep pace with Spain's midfield.

The defence was left exposed, and two mistakes were punished: first with a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal after 22 minutes, then by Pedro Porro's goal just before the hour.

At the final whistle, Mbappé stood alone on the pitch. Some of his teammates dropped to their knees, while others buried their faces in their hands.

All the talk of cohesion and unity, repeated endlessly right up to the eve of the match, suddenly felt a very long way away.