Konaté: France 'behind on quite a few things' after World Cup semi-final loss to Spain

Published Jul 17, 04:06 PM UTC

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France national team defender Ibrahima Konaté gave a candid assessment of the Blues' 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in Dallas, acknowledging that Spain was the better team. Speaking in Miami ahead of the third-place match against England, Konaté admitted France was 'behind on quite a few things' and that Spain's superiority was clear. He noted this was the third consecutive defeat to Spain, following losses at Euro 2024 and the Nations League, but insisted Spain had not gotten into their heads. Konaté, a substitute in the match, deferred questions about tactical reasons to the coach. The Blues will face England for third place on Saturday evening.

Source report

France national team central defender Ibrahima Konaté reflected on the Blues' defeat in the World Cup semi-final against Spain (2-0) on Tuesday in Dallas, expressing the feeling that the French team was inferior to La Roja.

Konaté faced journalists on Friday in Miami, three days after the loss. Describing it as "a blow to the head," the new Real Madrid player—who was not eager to speak but handled the exercise well—analyzed the reasons for the failure on the eve of a bitter third-place match between France and England. The central defender, who was a substitute against Spain, was asked about the three consecutive defeats the Blues have suffered against the Spanish.

Relive the Blues' press conference before France-England

"We Must Learn and Understand Why It Didn't Work"

"Three consecutive defeats hurts, and as competitors we don't accept it," Konaté said. "At Euro 2024 (in the semi-final), they were better than us, but there was something to be done. In the Nations League (semi-final), that team was better than the one we played a few days ago. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were at 100%."

Regarding Tuesday night's semi-final, Konaté admitted: "The last match, they were better than us. The reason? You have to ask the coach. We were behind on quite a few things. But as a substitute, it's easier said than done. We must learn and understand why it didn't work. We came up against a Spain team that was better."

While acknowledging the superiority of Luis de la Fuente's team on Tuesday in Dallas, he refused to be more fatalistic: "They didn't get into our heads; we ignore what's being said. Only one player actually spoke (laughs). It worked for him, but it's not the end of our careers; we'll face them again and we'll see."

The Blues will attempt to finish on the World Cup podium on Saturday evening against England (11 p.m. in Miami).

ABr with AP and JLT in Miami

Source

Home Football - actualitésWestern

Original headline: Coupe du monde 2026: "On était en retard sur pas mal de choses", le constat amer de Konaté après France-Espagne

Original language: FR

Part of this Story

Konaté Admits France 'Behind on Quite a Few Things' After World Cup Semi-Final Loss to Spain

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France Spain England Lamine Yamal Dallas Miami