Spain reach World Cup final as Deschamps questions referee after 2-0 loss to Spain

Spain are through to the World Cup final after goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night. Luis de la Fuente’s side will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s showpiece, while France must settle for Saturday’s third-place play-off.

The result ended France’s bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, and a visibly frustrated Didier Deschamps did not hold back in his post-match assessment — though he stopped short of making a direct accusation. “Is the referee good enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?” Deschamps said, referring to Salvadoran official Ivan Barton. “That’s for you to decide. I’m not going to answer it, and I’m not saying this because we lost today, but there have been certain situations — often unfavourable to us.”

In a separate interview, Deschamps elaborated while acknowledging his side’s own shortcomings. “I’m not going to dwell on it because otherwise I’ll sound like a cry-baby,” he said. “The main reason is that we were a bit below par and less dangerous offensively than we could have been. We made technical errors and missed passes that could have led to chances. Spain showed something extra.”

Deschamps, who is set to leave his role as France manager at the end of the tournament, was candid about the gap between the two sides on the night. “We have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a step below technically against a team that knew what they were doing,” he admitted. “It’s primarily our fault.”

On ITV’s coverage, presenter Mark Pougatch signed off with an apology to studio pundit and former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, whose involvement in the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage ends with France’s elimination. “Sorry, Patrick, it has been great to have you with us for the World Cup — you are not here this weekend, but thanks very much for your contributions,” Pougatch said. Vieira replied simply: “Thank you, it was a pleasure.”