"In football, you’re either good or not good; I wasn’t good" - Kylian Mbappe on France's Euro 2024 SF exit
French star Kylian Mbappe reflected on his overall performance following France's loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday (July 9) at Allianz Arena, Munich. The 2018 World Cup winners lost the game 1-2.
At the post-match press conference, Mbappe said Euro 2024 was a "failure" for him.
“In football, you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good. My EURO was a failure,” the Frenchman said (via London Evening Standard).
In Tuesday's game, Mbappe set up Les Blues' only goal for Randal Kolo Muani in the eighth minute. The Frenchman delivered a cross from the left side of the Spanish penalty box to Muani, who delivered a header into the net, giving France an early lead.
However, Spain equalized through Lamine Yamal in the 21st minute and took the lead in the 25th minute, courtesy of Dani Olmo. Despite coming close multiple times, France were unable to score again.
Adrien Rabiot claims Kylian Mbappe was not at his best ahead of France's semi-final clash against Spain
Ahead of France's Euro 2024 semi-final fixture against Spain, French star Adrien Rabiot weighed in on Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann's form in the tournament.
Rabiot backed Mbappe and Griezmann, saying the team had faith in them. However, he added that both players have not been at the top of their game in the Euro 2024.
"For Kylian and Antoine, maybe their legs aren't as fresh as they could be, but we are 100% behind them. We have blind faith in them. They are players can change a game at any point. When we have the captain [Mbappé] or Antoine experiencing a rough patch, it's fine, we are there to support them," Rabiot said (via The Mirror).
"But obviously, it would be easier if Kylian and Antoine were at the top of their game, which has not been the case so far. I think everyone is surprised because we know what he [Griezmann] is capable of," he added.
Kylian Mbappe's Euro 2024 ended on a disappointing note, as he managed to bag only one goal and two assists in the tournament. The Real Madrid star scored his only goal from the penalty spot against Poland in the group stage.
A crucial reason behind Kylian Mbappe's poor performance could be his medical compulsion to wear a mask for most of France's Euro 2024 fixtures. He had to wear a mask after breaking his nose in Les Blues' opening game against Austria.
The Frenchman complained about the mask obstructing his vision during play multiple times and was seen without his mask for the first time in the semi-final against Spain.