Koundé: The third-place play-off should not be played

Jules Koundé has said the World Cup third-place play-off should not be played after France’s 6-4 defeat by England left them fourth in the tournament.

France were beaten in the ranking match, and Koundé said preparing for it was difficult after missing out on the final. He said the team had been set a clear target and were disappointed not to reach it.

“We had a very poor first half for different reasons,” Koundé said after the game. “We improved in the second half, but it was not enough. We are all disappointed that we could not give this win to the coach.”

He added that his biggest regret was not being in the final. “As a competitive player, I think the third-place match should not be played,” he said.

Koundé also singled out Dayot Upamecano, saying he prevented the first half from becoming more one-sided and had been excellent throughout the tournament. He finished by thanking Didier Deschamps for his work with France, including the 2018 title, and said the national team’s future looks bright because of its young talent.