Missing in action

Around the world, there is a custom of putting photos of missing persons on milk cartons. And the reason is highly logical - milk is one of the most widely bought products, so the largest number of people will see a photo and, hopefully, recognize a person, recall where they had seen them, and help them be found.

Ironically speaking, thanks to his last night's performance - or the lack of it - Kylian Mbappe's face could have found its place on a milk carton with a big caption below the Frenchman's photo, saying Have you seen this man?

Official records say he featured in the World Cup semi-final against Spain last night, but those who watched the game might disagree.

Les Bleus are Les Miserables! Incredible Spain put France to the sword in a tactical masterpiece

Jokes aside, the France captain played the full 90 minutes, but his impact was minimal, and his threat was completely nullified. Mbappe was neutralized and rendered ineffective.

To make it clear, the Real Madrid superstar has the right to have a bad day in the office and doesn't have to score in every match, but when a player scores eight goals in six World Cup games, the expectations become sky-high, as he is counted on to deliver in the most crucial moments, such as the semi-finals, not only against less demanding opponents like Iraq or Paraguay, with all due respect to both teams.

Last night, Mbappe registered three shots (none on target), won one foul, and failed to create a single chance. He put in the effort, to be fair, but as the final whistle approached and Les Bleus' defeat seemed more and more inevitable, he could be seen staring blankly in disbelief or throwing his arms up at his teammates, irritated by their decisions.

He was frustrated by the Spanish defence and completely lost on the pitch. This frustration boiled over in the closing stages as he committed a cynical foul on the La Roja goalkeeper Unai Simon and was booked.

Mbappe isn't used to losing, that's for sure, but being totally shut down by the opposing back line - that's something he has rarely experienced.

In the end, he can be fuming with himself above all, as he should be the first one to look in the mirror.

The eyes will, of course, be on Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele as well, given that the two also put in underwhelming displays. However, if the France captain is happy to be first in line for penalties and free kicks, first to soak up the praise and take the credit after wins, then he must also be the first to step up when things fall apart and face the criticism that follows.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Semi-finals

Tuesday

France - Spain 0-2 (0-1)

/Oyarzabal 22 pen, Porro 58/

Wednesday

22.00: (2.55) England (3.10) Argentina (3.15)

***odds are subject to change***