For an entire generation born after 2000 and who dreamed of seeing France win a major trophy, the setback of 2016 remains a deeply painful memory. After defeating the German ogre in the semi-finals (2-0), the Blues saw their dreams shattered in the final against Portugal, after extra time (1-0). 10 years later, the injury is still less severe – the 2018 world champion title having been there – but the new revelation made by Didier Deschamps could relaunch the debate around Eder’s victorious goal that day. As he indicates in an interview given to West Francethe Blues coach learned during a FIFA meeting that this goal should not have been awarded, and that it would have been canceled with the presence of VAR.
“Which final leaves the most regrets between 2016 (against Portugal) and 2022 (against Argentina)? I don’t like to talk about regrets, but about very strong disappointments. 2016 in France hurts, because we hadn’t won a title since 2000. Fortunately, many players experienced 2018 afterwards. The one in Doha also hurts a lot, because being world champion is the strongest thing. In hindsight, the two finals are painful because they go the wrong way for little reason. I even learned during a Fifa meeting that Portugal’s goal would have been refused if there had been VAR, for a foul at the start of the action. That doesn’t call the story into question. If I have to single out one, I would say 2022, because it is a missed opportunity on a global scale.
