ITV were the broadcaster for Spain’s 2-0 World Cup semi-final victory over France at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night
Patrick Vieira received an apology from ITV presenter Mark Pougatch following France’s World Cup defeat to Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro both scored for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final.
The result ended France’s quest to reach a third-straight World Cup final and also means they will play in Saturday’s third-place play-off. As Pougatch concluded ITV’s coverage on Tuesday night, he apologised to former Arsenal captain Vieira as he will no longer be part of the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage.
He said: “Sorry, Patrick, it has been great to have you with us for the World Cup, so you are not here this weekend, but it has been great to have you with us, so thanks very much for your contributions.” In response, Vieira said: “Thank you, it was a pleasure.”
Although he believes his side were second best, France boss Didier Deschamps, who will step down from his role at the end of the tournament, questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton.
He fumed: “There is obviously a lot of disappointment. The players are devastated because we had high ambitions.
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“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?’ 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.”
While Deschamps said in a separate interview: “I’m not going to dwell on it because otherwise I’ll sound like a cry-baby. 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.”
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