French defender Lucas Digne endured a nightmare performance in France's 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, drawing savage ratings from French media. Foot Mercato handed him a 1.5/10 score, while L'Equipe and RMC Sport both gave 2/10, with critics highlighting a 'rookie' foul on Lamine Yamal that led to Spain's opening penalty.
Digne's costly mistake
The 32-year-old Aston Villa left-back, who is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain, conceded a penalty in the 19th minute after colliding with Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot kick, and Pedro Porro added a second-half goal to send Spain into the final. Digne was replaced by Theo Hernandez in the 72nd minute after struggling to contain Yamal throughout.
L'Equipe's brutal assessment
L'Equipe wrote: 'Facing Lamine Yamal, he knew the challenge was immense. Lucas Digne was outplayed. The future Parisian will long remember that play where, on a seemingly harmless ball, he failed to see Lamine Yamal coming and conceded a penalty.' The publication also noted that William Saliba's early back injury disrupted France's plans.
Foot Mercato's damning 1.5/10
Foot Mercato was even harsher, stating: 'The future Paris Saint-Germain full-back was expected to face Lamine Yamal in the biggest challenge of his career. A challenge he completely failed to meet.' They detailed how Yamal grew in influence, getting behind Digne in the 61st minute for a disallowed goal, and described his ordeal ending after the water break.
RMC Sport and Le Figaro weigh in
RMC Sport gave Digne a 2/10, calling his foul 'avoidable' and noting he was 'tormented by Lamine Yamal.' Le Figaro described the penalty as a 'rookie foul' and lamented France's 'passive attitude' and 'wasteful moments.' Get French Football News added that Digne's 'lack of awareness' cost his team, with Yamal 'exploiting his frailties with good spatial awareness.'
Impact on France's World Cup exit
France, runners-up in the previous World Cup, were eliminated after a disappointing display. Digne's performance has raised questions about his readiness for a return to PSG, with French media unanimous in their criticism. The defeat ends France's hopes of a third World Cup title, as Spain advanced to face the winner of the other semi-final.
