European Football Championship - Mbappé takes off his mask: Disappointment after European Championship exit
Kylian Mbappé is tired of his mask. "I couldn't see well with it. I spoke to the doctor, and he told me to make the decision like a man. I have no regrets", said the future star striker of Real Madrid, who had to wear a protective mask due to a nasal bone fracture in France's EURO opening match against Austria (1:0).
In the semifinal against Spain (1:2), Mbappé removed the prop and appeared noticeably freer. However, he could not prevent France's elimination against the three-time European champion. "I had the ambition to become European champions. I had the ambition to have a good EURO. I haven't achieved either one", said the 25-year-old after the last presentation in Munich. "That's a disappointment."
Deschamps defends Mbappé and Griezmann
Mbappé is taking a break now. "I will recover well. I think I need that to be fresh for the first game and to have a good preparation", said the World-class striker, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
France's coach Didier Deschamps did not want to assign blame to his superstar or the EURO struggling Antoine Griezmann. "I will not pass the responsibility to the two of them", said the national coach. "Kylian might have had some issues. But we are not looking for excuses."
Mbappé received the green light from the doctors for a game without a mask. This had bothered him before, not just because of the field of vision, Deschamps said. "He felt better without the mask."
Farewell to Giroud with praise
With praising words, Deschamps bid farewell to the 37-year-old striker Olivier Giroud. "He is a leader, even when he's not on the pitch", said the national coach about the record scorer of France, who is making way for younger players. "It would have been nicer to end his career on Sunday: Bravo and Thank you for everything he has done."
- Despite the mask issue, Kylian Mbappé managed to score against Spain in the Semifinal of the European Football Championship, showcasing his exceptional soccer skills.
- The 'Équipe Tricolore', led by Didier Deschamps, faced a giant duel against Spain's formidable team in Munich during the EURO.
- The future Real Madrid star, Mbappé, expressed gratitude towards his doctor for allowing him to play without the protective mask, a decision he made after considering his vision and comfort on the field.
- In the wake of France's elimination from the European Championship, Antoine Griezmann, alongside Mbappé, was criticized for their performances, but Deschamps refused to assign blame to them, emphasizing that they were not the sole contributors to France's defeat.
- Giroud, the historic goalscorer for France, bid farewell to the EURO, leaving a lasting impact on his team and the soccer world aside, as he graciously handed over his spot to the younger talent in the 'Équipe Tricolore'.
- Though France fell short of becoming European champions, Mbappé, with his remarkable abilities on the pitch, has caught the attention of German football fans, with his transfer to Bavaria's Real Madrid looming on the horizon.
- Kylian Mbappé, who had to wear a protective mask after his nasal bone fracture in France's opening match against Austria (1:0), has proven himself as a resilient player, continually pushing forward and pushing his limits without letting setbacks deter him.
- France's defeat against Spain in Munich marked the end of their EURO journey in 2021, but the 'Équipe Tricolore' will undoubtedly continue to make waves in international soccer, with players like Mbappé and Griezmann leading the charge.
