Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Deschamps backs 'sorry' Mbappe to bounce back

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Tuesday, 29 June 2021 01:11

Kylian Mbappe will bounce back from missing the decisive penalty in France's shootout loss to Switzerland on Monday that saw the world champions exit Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage, coach Didier Deschamps said.

The French threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 in normal time, and after a goalless extra time, they crashed out when Mbappe's penalty was saved by Swiss keeper Yann Sommer.

Deschamps said the striker and the rest of the team would learn from their tournament disappointment.

- Laurens: France's shock Euro loss falls on manager Deschamps
- Euro 2020: Fixtures| Live on ESPN | VAR watch | Pick 'em

"It will help everyone I think," he told a news conference. "Kylian, even if he didn't score a goal [at the Euros], he was decisive in many actions that we had, and he took responsibility to take this penalty.

"No one is really angry with him. I talked to our players, we know the strength of this team, we've had many magnificent moments together -- today it really hurts, there's lots of sadness."

The 52-year-old coach dismissed suggestions that none of Mbappe's teammates went to comfort him after his spot kick was saved.

"The whole group is united in the dressing room," added Deschamps. "No one talks about 'you made this mistake' or 'you made that mistake.' Kylian knows his responsibility."

Mbappe took to Twitter late on Monday to express his disappointment at missing the key penalty.

"[It's] very difficult to turn the page," he wrote. "The sadness is immense after this elimination, we weren't able to get to our objective.

"I am sorry for the penalty. I wanted to help the team but I missed. To relax will be difficult but it's unfortunately a pitfall in the the sport that I love so much.

"I know all the fans will be disappointed but even so I would thank you for your support and to always have believed in us.

"The most important [thing] is to always be stronger for the next challenges that will come.

"Congratulations and good luck to Switzerland."

France had been trying to win back-to-back major titles for the second time. The French won the World Cup in 1998 and followed that up with the title at Euro 2000.

Five years ago, France lost in the Euro 2016 final, but then won the 2018 World Cup.

Mbappe was only 19 when France won that title in Moscow, and he became the youngest player since Pele in 1958 to score in a World Cup final.

The Brazilian great was quick to offer his support after the heart-breaking miss in Bucharest.

"Keep your head up, Kylian! Tomorrow is the first day of a new journey," Pele wrote on Twitter.

France were 3-1 up and cruising with 15 minutes to go after a superb goal by Paul Pogba, but the dogged Swiss scored twice to force extra time before eventually going through to face Spain in the quarterfinals in St Petersburg on Friday.

"Today we were against a strong Swiss team, they gave us some problems in the first half, and of course France is used to having compact opponents," Deschamps explained.

"We scored our second goal in the second half which changed everything and, if you want, 10 minutes before the end we could have managed our two-goal advantage better."

Kingsley Coman hit the bar in the final seconds of normal time as luck seemed to desert the world champions when they needed it most, but Deschamps was not complaining.

"In extra time there were some final chances that we had, and penalties are always like that," he said. "It hurts, but you have to accept it -- that's football."

"Mostly we're on the good end, but today we're not and everyone is really sad. Everyone is really disappointed."

Information from Reuters and the Associated Press was used in this report.

Read 694 times

Soccer

NL game abandoned after Kosovo players walk off

NL game abandoned after Kosovo players walk off

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo was suspen...

Ghana fail to reach AFCON for 1st time since '04

Ghana fail to reach AFCON for 1st time since '04

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGhana failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time...

Chawinga available as KC seeks NWSL final berth

Chawinga available as KC seeks NWSL final berth

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKansas City Current forward and 2024 NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: NBA discussing tourney-style AS Game

Sources: NBA discussing tourney-style AS Game

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe NBA is in serious discussions on a new tournament-style format...

Jokic (personal) out for Denver's NBA Cup opener

Jokic (personal) out for Denver's NBA Cup opener

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThree-time league MVP Nikola Jokic will miss the Denver Nuggets' NB...

Baseball

Low and inside: O's will again alter LF dimensions

Low and inside: O's will again alter LF dimensions

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBALTIMORE -- The Orioles are ready to adjust their wall in left fie...

Dodgers' Graterol (shoulder) to sit first half of '25

Dodgers' Graterol (shoulder) to sit first half of '25

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol will miss the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated