Former France and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira launched a scathing critique of three France players after their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in Texas on Tuesday night.
Spain's clinical first half
Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne. The Aston Villa full-back was caught out as the Barcelona winger burst into the box, swinging out a leg and catching Yamal.
Digne was also at fault for Spain's second goal just before the hour mark. Dani Olmo and Pedro Porro played a one-two on the edge of the box, with the Tottenham defender lashing home.
Vieira's criticism of Digne and Doue
Vieira singled out Digne and Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue for Spain's second goal. 'Digne of course should do better. We are talking about someone with experience. But on the other side Doue has the responsibility as well,' Vieira told ITV1.
'The one-two was played around him, he has to be around him to stop his run or follow him. We can blame Digne for his tactical position but Doue has to be more decisive and more defensive-minded.'
Vieira added: 'We are talking about someone who won the Champions League. Defensively the awareness has to go to a different level.'
Olise fails to impress
Vieira also criticised Michael Olise, who had impressed earlier in the tournament but was subdued against Spain. 'Olise was the main man and we needed him to get on the ball but they stopped him and he didn't get involved in the game,' Vieira said.
'Spain were the better team, France did not turn up at all. Tactically they were all over them. They won the game tactically, France were not allowed to get comfortable on the ball. We needed our top players to perform today and they didn't.'
Collective failure
Vieira acknowledged that the defeat was a collective failure. 'It wasn't just one or two of them that was missing, it was all of them who were missing today. Collectively we were really bad,' he said.
Spain dominated the match from start to finish, with Vieira praising Luis de la Fuente's side. 'I said before Spain had to be at their best to beat this French team and I think they were above that. Collectively it was fantastic from them,' he concluded.
