Rayan Cherki has admitted that France’s own mistakes were responsible for their FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, insisting that the team had the quality to reach the final but failed to perform when it mattered most.
Cherki, who plays for Manchester City, was speaking after France’s disappointing defeat to reaching the final following their 2-0 loss to Spain in the Semi-final clash.
The French forward refused to put the blame entirely on the referee, despite acknowledging that some decisions during the match were questionable.
According to Cherki, France had enough ability to win the game but did not produce their best performance.
“Every team was afraid of us… The team that beat us was ourselves,” Cherki said.
“Yes, the referee was not at his best, but he didn’t take away a goal from us. If we had been better, we would have won.”
Cherki’s comments reflected the frustration within the French camp after their third World Cup trophy dream came to an end.
France entered the semi-final with a strong squad filled with experienced players and emerging talents, but Spain proved more effective on the night.
The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final after their triumph in 2018 and runners-up finish in 2022.
The team had been among the favourites to lift the trophy, with players such as Kylian Mbappé, Olise, Upamecano, Ousmane Dembélé and Cherki expected to play important roles.
Cherki, who joined Manchester City after impressing during his time at Lyon, has become one of France’s most exciting attacking talents.
Known for his creativity, dribbling skills and ability to create chances, he was included in the national team squad as part of France’s next generation of stars.
Despite the disappointment, the 22-year-old believes France must learn from the defeat rather than focus on controversial moments.
He stressed that the players must accept responsibility and improve ahead of future international competitions.
