Dallas (US), July 15 -- Kylian Mbappe lifted his shirt over his face and buried his head in his hands. Moments later he gazed into the middle distance while being consoled by France manager Didier Deschamps.
This is not how the script was meant to go for France. Les Bleus, one of the title favorites, had entered the game unbeaten, having conceded just two goals in six matches. The tournament was supposed to provide a fitting farewell for Deschamps and a crowning moment in Mbappe's career, confirming his status as the game's undisputed No. 1 player in the post-Messi-Ronaldo era.
That he remains part of the conversation is not in doubt. But in this semifinal, despite an almost impeccable campaign, the France captain could not lead his team ...