The semi-final match also offered an unusual glimpse of the French national team captain. The Spanish team closed down all spaces, neutralized the attacking cohesion of Didier Deschamps' side, and minimized Mbappé's impact.

Mbappé posed no significant threat to Spanish goalkeeper Simón, ended up visibly frustrated, and received a yellow card.

After the final whistle, Mbappé offered no excuses and was the first to point out his team's poor performance: 'We did not play a match worthy of a World Cup semi-final; we messed everything up.'

His performance came at a time when he needed most to show his strength. In the Ballon d'Or race, where every major stage carries the weight of a final, the Real Madrid player delivered his worst display of the tournament.

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