We were second best, France coach concedes after chastening World Cup loss

ARLINGTON, TX, July 14 : France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side had been outclassed after Spain dismantled them 2-0 in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final, exposing technical, tactical and physical failings in a disappointing end to their quest for a third title.

France, widely regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites, were second best throughout as Spain controlled midfield, cut off supply to Kylian Mbappe and punished a succession of French errors.

"Obviously, this Spain team are very strong and they proved it tonight," Deschamps told a press conference.

"We were slightly below our usual level and made more technical mistakes than in previous matches. We were also a step short physically."

France had reached the last four on the strength of a fearsome attack, but Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Mbappe were all kept quiet as Spain denied them space and repeatedly regained possession.

Deschamps said his team had needed to operate at full capacity to trouble Spain but had fallen short in every key area.

"We know the quality Spain possess, and to have any chance of going through we needed to be at our absolute best," he said. "We were not."

France were also disrupted by an injury to defender William Saliba, while Adrien Rabiot had to temper his aggression after being booked early in the game.

Deschamps said Spain's ability to read passing lanes and break up attacks had prevented France from establishing any rhythm.

"They are very good at linking their play and reading the direction of passes in order to intercept them," he said.

"We did not find the solutions. The fact that we failed to reproduce the attacking and technical quality we had shown until now is partly our fault, but Spain also deserve credit for