Didier Deschamps took the unusual step of asking reporters if they felt referee Ivan Barton had the ability to handle France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain. Deschamps failed in his attempt to win a second World Cup as France boss after goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro fired Spain into Sunday’s final.
But Deschamps, who will step down from his role at the end of the tournament, was left furious with Barton’s decision to award a first-half penalty to Spain after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal when he attempted to clear the ball.
Questioning the decision made by FIFA to award Barton the match, Deschamps said: “There is obviously a lot of disappointment. 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?’
“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.”