Didier Deschamps questions FIFA decision as France boss rages after Spain World Cup defeat

Didier Deschamps failed in his attempt to win a second World Cup in charge of France, and he was not a happy man after his side’s defeat to Spain

France boss Didier Deschamps questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint referee Ivan Barton for his side’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Luis de la Fuente’s side a place in Sunday’s final against England or Argentina as Deschamps failed in his attempt to win a second World Cup as France boss.

However, the 57-year-old was left furious by Barton’s decision to award a first-half penalty to Spain after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal when he attempted to clear the ball. He even asked reporters in his post-match conference if they felt Barton had the ability to handle a game of such stature.

“There is obviously a lot of disappointment,” Deschamps said. “The players are devastated because we had high ambitions.

“Although we have to be realistic and acknowledge that today we were a step below technically against a team that knew what they were doing. It’s primarily our fault.

“Then I ask a question, and I’m not going to answer it: ‘Is the referee good enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?’

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“We’ve had a few of those situations, and I’m not going to answer them. And I’m not saying this because we lost today, but there have been certain situations… often unfavourable to us, too.”

In a separate interview, Deschamps added: “I’m not going to dwell on it because otherwise I’ll sound like a crybaby. Is the referee up to the standard of officiating a World Cup semi-final? That’s for you to decide.

“I had fourth and fifth place referees next to me who were just as good. It’s not just the penalty, it’s a combination of factors. We’ve had more or less complicated situations in other matches. I have nothing against tonight’s referee, but ask yourselves the question.

“But the main reason is that we were a bit below par and less dangerous offensively than we could have been. We made a few technical errors and missed passes that could have led to situations and chances.

“We have to accept it, this is the highest level, even if it hurts. It was the last step before this potential final… so we’ll play the third-place match. We’ll play it, it doesn’t take anything away from what we’ve achieved. But in this match, Spain showed something extra.”

Asked about Deschamps’ comments, Spain boss De la Fuente said: “Well, when things don’t go our way, we can always find some excuse. I have certainly had some difficult times with the refereeing, too.

“At times, it has reminded us of the match against Uruguay and I think that the referee’s leniency has something to do with it. I believe that you have to keep an eye on games and not let them get out of hand.

“But if that’s how it is, then we’ve both suffered. I don’t think at all that it was the complete opposite. In fact, they ruled out a goal and some very close situations, especially in some offside actions.

“But anyway, I’m not in a position to think about the referee right now. What I would like is for everyone to obviously improve, from referees to VAR to us, everyone who makes football, that we all become a little better every day.”

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