“It wasn’t worth leaving him on the pitch” - Deschamps explains Kylian Mbappe substitution before penalty shootout vs Portugal in Euro 2024
France scrapped through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after defeating Portugal 5-3 on penalties on Friday, July 5. The match ended goalless after 120 minutes despite both teams getting ample opportunities to score.
One of the major talking points of the game was France boss Didier Deschamps taking out Kylian Mbappe in the 105th minute and replacing him with Bradley Barcola. This was done when a penalty shootout looked imminent. Mbappe has taken 52 penalties in his career thus far, converting 42 and missing 10.
After the match, Deschamps explained the substitution, citing Mbappe's fatigue as the reason.
""He was obviously tired and it's not easy. I saw him struggling in the first half of extra time. It wasn't worth leaving him on the pitch, even if he was the one taking the penalty. Kylian has always been honest with me and the group. It seemed normal to bring some freshness," Deschamps said (via O Jogo).
He added that France had a more challenging extra time because of the lack of ball possession and lauded his team for their efforts in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
""It was a very tense and hard-fought game. It could have gone either way, although we had a more difficult end to the game in extra time, with less of the ball. There was also fatigue. It's decided by small details, but I'm happy for the group. They gave their all and turned it around for us," Deschamps added.
"It’s an honor" - Kylian Mbappe raved about Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Euro 2024 clash against Portugal
It is no secret that Kylian Mbappe holds Cristiano Ronaldo in the highest regard and has always been public about his love for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ahead of the match against Portugal, the French talisman talked about Ronaldo in an interview (via GOAL).
Mbappe added that he is in constant touch with Ronaldo, who gives him regular advice on how to keep up with his game.
"It’s an honour. It’s the admiration I’ve always had for Cristiano, for the player. Over time, I’ve had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We’re still in touch. He’s always trying to give me advice and keep up to date with what’s going on," the Frenchman said.
Mbappe further stated that the outcome of the quarter-final meeting between France and Portugal will not have any bearing on the legacy of Ronaldo.
“It’s a pleasure. Playing against him is an honour for everything he’s done in football. No matter what happened before or what happens after, he’ll always be a legend of the game. But of course we hope to win tomorrow and reach the semi-finals.” concluded Kylian.
Mbappe has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his idol after joining Real Madrid from Real Madrid just before the start of Euro 2024. In 438 games for the Spanish giants, the Portuguese ace scored 450 goals and won four Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles, amongst other honors.