Marcos Llorente, the Spanish player, responded to Didier Deschamps, the French coach, criticisms of the refereeing after the match between the two teams on Tuesday, in the World Cup semifinal.

Spain qualified for the final, scheduled for next Sunday, after defeating France 2-0.

After the match, Deschamps said: "I will not elaborate on this matter, otherwise I will look like a whining child. Is the referee of the level to manage a World Cup semifinal? It is up to you to decide."

He added: "It is not just about the penalty kick, but a combination of several things. We have been through similar situations in other matches, some more complicated than others. I have no problem with tonight's referee, but ask yourselves this question."

These statements, as expected, provoked a reaction from the Spanish side.

In the mixed zone, Marcos Llorente felt the need to respond.

The Atletico Madrid player said, according to Foot Mercato: "I don't care... Did they complain about the referee? We won because we were the better team."

He concluded: "I don't know, maybe they are trying to reassure themselves any way they can."