ITV presenter Mark Pougatch issued an apology to Patrick Vieira following France's 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night. The result ended France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final and means they will now contest the third-place play-off on Saturday.
Pougatch's apology to Vieira
As ITV's coverage concluded, Pougatch addressed former Arsenal captain Vieira, who had been part of the broadcaster's punditry team. He said: "Sorry, Patrick, it has been great to have you with us for the World Cup, so you are not here this weekend, but it has been great to have you with us, so thanks very much for your contributions." Vieira responded: "Thank you, it was a pleasure."
Deschamps questions referee selection
France manager Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, expressed disappointment and questioned FIFA's decision to appoint Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton for the semi-final. He 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."
Deschamps added: "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 said: "I'm not going to dwell on it because otherwise I'll sound like a cry-baby. 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."
Spain's performance and France's shortcomings
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured victory for Luis de la Fuente's Spain, who will face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final. Deschamps acknowledged his team's technical deficiencies: "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."
He concluded: "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."
