Just before being eliminated, 'explosion of frustration': Pushed opposing goalkeeper... Flood of criticism: "Completely lost his reason"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), the ace of the French national football team, lost control of his emotions as elimination loomed. Overseas media outlets poured out criticism over this incident.

On the 15th (Korea time), France lost 0-2 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup semi-final held at Dallas Stadium in the United States. As a result, France's journey toward its third-ever title ended in the semi-finals.

The attempt to reach the final for three consecutive tournaments also failed. France won its second title ever at the 2018 Russia World Cup and reached the final again at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. However, it finished as runner-up after losing to Argentina, led by Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), in those matches. In this tournament, the dream of winning was shattered in the semi-finals.

Mbappé had no choice but to bow his head. On this day, Mbappé was unable to create many threatening scenes as he was blocked by Spain's strong pressure and organized defense.

Until the previous match, France had showcased formidable attacking power centered on Mbappé, with Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) and Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain). However, in the match against Spain, the entire French attack failed to meet expectations.

As France was pushed to the brink, Mbappé's emotions erupted in the final moments of the game. In the 41st minute of the second half, with France trailing 0-2, Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao) caught a long pass. Mbappé rushed quickly toward Simón, and the two players collided forcefully.

With a two-goal deficit and the match nearing its end, it appears Mbappé's impatience reached its peak.

Simón fell to the ground immediately after the collision, expressing pain. The referee did not overlook the incident. He showed Mbappé a yellow card.

Criticism poured in over this scene. AP reported, "Mbappé charged at the moment when Simón bent down to catch the ball, and Simón fell to the ground due to the collision."

Eurosport Spain also pointed out, "Mbappé completely lost his reason," adding, "At a moment of extreme frustration, Mbappé pushed Simón."

It further explained, "Mbappé, one of the stars representing this World Cup, displayed an unsightly action in the final moments of the semi-final. He forcefully pushed Simón in a situation where there was almost no chance of gaining possession of the ball."

It then criticized, "This was an unsightly outburst of frustration after a poor performance. Ultimately, France was eliminated in the semi-finals."

Chilean broadcaster Chilevisión also reported, "Mbappé lost control and received a yellow card after colliding with the Spanish goalkeeper." The British Guardian similarly described Mbappé's appearance at the time as "the very embodiment of frustration."

Mbappé scored eight goals in this tournament, tying with Messi for first place in the scoring race. France still has a third-place match remaining, so the possibility of winning the Golden Boot has not completely disappeared. However, failing to reach the final has placed him at a disadvantage in the race for the top scorer title.

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*This content was translated by AI.