ROY Keane launched into a furious rant live on ITV after a pitiful France were emphatically knocked out of the World Cup by Spain – a side that has yet to concede a single goal in the entire tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty and a fine finish from Pedro Porro secured a 2-0 victory for Luis de la Fuente's Euro 2024 winners, who now face either England or Argentina in Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium.
“Spain reach World Cup final without conceding a goal after 2-0 win over France; Roy Keane blasts Lucas Digne and team.”
It was Porro's goal that left Keane seething. The Tottenham Hotspur defender exchanged a one-two with Dani Olmo around Lucas Digne before having the time to take two touches and place past Mike Maignan.
Digne endured a nightmare afternoon in Arlington, Texas. The Aston Villa left-back, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain, conceded the penalty by catching Lamine Yamal instead of the ball as he tried to clear. Then, for Spain's second, he was undecided between pressing Yamal or following Porro's run – he chose the former and was left helpless.
Speaking live on ITV, Keane said: 'When I see these goals and I see players making these mistakes – it's clear (Digne's) confidence is gone, he doesn't know whether to stick or twist – you expect your mates to cover for you! It happens all the time, players can get caught out of position, but no-one's helping. That's where they didn't play as a team.'
The ex-Manchester United captain added: 'The attacking players of France are going to be criticised today, but the French defence and midfield were all over the place, they weren't doing the basics right. We're on about the attacking players not turning up, but the team behind them didn't exactly give them a foundation to go on and win the game.'
France forced Unai Simon into some saves in the second half, but the European champions held onto their impeccable defensive record. Their 0-0 opening draw with Cape Verde now feels like a long time ago.
Didier Deschamps' side – runners-up in 2022 – were second best throughout. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and co were nowhere to be seen as Spain controlled the match. The manner of the defeat leaves Keane and France's fans with plenty to ponder.
