da supremo： Kylian Mbappe was "too tired" to finish France's Euro 2024 quarter-final win against Portugal as the striker explained why he was substituted.
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Mbappe taken off in extra-time vs PortugalFrance star admitted he was too tiredLes Bleus through to semi-finals after winWHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe played the full 90 minutes as France and Portugal played out a goalless draw to take the game into extra-time. After continuing into the first half of the extended period, he did not emerge for the final 15 minutes as Bradley Barcola took his place.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT MBAPPE SAID
Having thereford not taken a penalty in the decisive shootout, Mbappe told reporters: "At the end of normal time, we’d already spoken to the coach. We decided to give it a go, but at half-time [of extra time], I told him I wasn’t feeling it any more, that I was too tired. I think you have to get over that. When you’re captain, you have to above all always stay involved and be there for your team-mates. I’ve always said before competitions that whatever happens, the important thing is that we win. People thought it was a joke, but here we are. I only scored one goal, but we’re in the semi-finals and I’m still very happy."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite Mbappe's absence, his side went on to beat Portugal in the spot-kick lottery, with all five France players – including Barcola – scoring their efforts, while Joao Felix missed his for Portugal. New Real Madrid signing Mbappe cheered his team on from the sidelines and spoke of his experience watching his team.
"It's even worse when you don't shoot," he said. "You're far from the goal, so of course I prefer to go there, but the guys shot really well. In fact, I now understand the people who are outside and who are experiencing this. It's as if we were a little bit outside, we're super far away. We don't even hear the whistle because there's shouting. It's crazy!"
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?
Mbappe will be back in the starting XI when Didier Deschamps' team meet Spain in the semi-finals of the competition on July 9. La Roja booked their spot in the last four by beating Germany 2-1 after extra-time.