(Miami) The French national team failed to deliver a fitting farewell for coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus succumbed to England in a spectacular 6-4 defeat during the World Cup’s “small final” on Saturday. This utterly wild encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a brace, cementing his status as the sole record holder for World Cup goals.

This outcome proved harsh for the now-former leader of Les Bleus, who had urged his squad not to undervalue their final match despite the absence of a major trophy at stake. It casts a shadow over an otherwise commendable World Cup campaign, despite their elimination in the semi-finals, and does not fully reflect Deschamps’ significant contributions to the French national team since 2012.

The seasoned coach will long remember his turbulent departure on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored by both sides in a match with an incredible narrative. “It’s the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” Deschamps stated after the game, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who had hoped to conclude his fourteen successful years at the helm of the French squad on a high note, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He was perilously close to humiliation after a dreadful first half, only for his players, spearheaded by captain Mbappé, to stage a belated and ultimately futile comeback.

The Tricolores, evidently still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final exit against Spain on Tuesday, faced an English onslaught in the first half. They conceded four goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1 minutes), who effortlessly breached a listless and overwhelmed defense. Deschamps himself described it as an “unpresentable first half.”

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, known for his outspoken nature, fiercely criticized the “shameful” first half. “We cannot settle for botching things like that,” asserted the AC Milan player.

The French backline was in disarray, prompting Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introductions of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, along with defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, revitalized Les Bleus. They narrowed the deficit with goals from Mbappé (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola (54th minute), setting the stage for an almost surreal conclusion to the match.

A futile resurgence

Ultimately, this surge proved to be in vain, and the French could not deliver a truly memorable ending for their coach. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (87th minute), followed by a goal from Jude Bellingham in injury time, which extinguished France’s last hopes just after Ousmane Dembélé had struck (90th+6 minute).

While the outcome was disappointing for Deschamps, the attackers, who had struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered for 45 minutes the spectacular play that had captivated the world earlier in the tournament.

Despite failing to secure a second World Cup title after their 2018 triumph, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With 22 goals across three final phases, he now stands as the sole record holder for World Cup goals and leads the scoring charts for the 2026 edition with 10.

“I would have preferred to set the record aside and instead have the chance to participate in the final,” Mbappé commented.

The French captain felt that Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s first 45 minutes.

Nevertheless, Mbappé applied significant pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have ample opportunity to respond to the Frenchman in the final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The captain remained exemplary throughout his time in the United States, living up to his esteemed status. Already the Golden Boot winner in Qatar in 2022, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star delivers an astounding performance in the final.

Deschamps, however, could not say the same for the other Bleus, who for long stretches appeared disengaged from the match, particularly the defenders. But how can one fault players who came to this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be heartbroken by their semi-final defeat and subsequently forced to contend for an inconsequential bronze medal?

For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense criticism after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, the result offers a small, albeit very minor, consolation. “We dreamed of the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it becomes very painful not to sweep everything,” Tuchel admitted.

Nevertheless, England achieved its best World Cup performance since their sole title victory in 1966.