Kylian Mbappé can leave his protective mask off again in the giant duel against Spain. But even France's superstar couldn't prevent the team's exit from the European Championship semi-finals. Mbappé is now on vacation.
10.07.2024, 08:07
dpa
Kylian Mbappé had had enough of his mask. "I couldn't see well with it. I spoke to the doctor and he told me to make the decision like a man. I don't regret it," said the future Real Madrid star striker, who had to wear a protective mask for the rest of the tournament after breaking his nose in France's opening game against Austria (1:0).
In the semi-final against Spain (1:2), the captain of the Équipe Tricolore took off the prop and looked much more at ease. However, Mbappé was unable to prevent the team's defeat to the three-time European champions. "I had the ambition to become European champion. I had the ambition to play a good European Championship. I achieved neither," said the 25-year-old after his final performance in Munich. "That's a disappointment."
In fact, Mbappé was unlucky in Germany. No player took more shots (24), no player had more touches of the ball in the penalty area (46). Nevertheless, in 465 minutes of action at the European Championships, he was unable to score a goal from play, with only one converted penalty against Poland to his credit.
Deschamps defends Mbappé and Griezmann
Mbappé is now taking a vacation. "I will recover well. I think I need that to be fresh for the opener and to prepare well," said the world-class striker, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
France coach Didier Deschamps did not want to blame either his superstar or Antoine Griezmann, who had been underperforming at the European Championships, for the knockout. "I'm not going to put the blame on either of them," said the national coach. "Kylian may have had some problems. But we're not looking for excuses."
Mbappé had been given the go-ahead by the doctors to play without a mask. This had previously affected him, and not just because of his field of vision, said Deschamps. "He felt more comfortable without the mask."
Thanks to Giroud
Deschamps bid farewell to 37-year-old striker Olivier Giroud with words of praise. "He's a leader, even when he's not on the pitch," said the national coach about France's record goalscorer, who is now making way for younger players. "Of course it would have been nicer to end his career on Sunday: Bravo and merci for everything he has achieved."
