France, July 15 -- Several fans were quick to frame the loss as a tactical one, rather than a case of France simply having an off day.
"They'd clearly studied France's style closely, our passing lanes, our movements," said one supporter, adding that Spain "almost always had the right tempo, the right rhythm".
Another agreed the midfield had been overrun throughout: "We were behind the play on every ball, arriving late, not knowing who to pick up."
One fan bluntly concluded: "We were second best and we have to accept we weren't as good."
Spain outclass France by 2-0 to advance to World Cup final Praise for Deschamps
There was no real appetite for blaming the referee. One fan, who admitted he usually enjoyed "crying about refereeing scan...