Michael Olise had a strong World Cup run with the French national team. But their run ended in the semifinals against Spain, and the French also lost the third-place match against England.
The Bayern star was devastated after the game. It was one of the most bizarre matches in recent World Cup history. England led 4-0 at halftime, before France managed to close the gap to 3-4, thanks in part to two assists from Olise.
However, Olise also had a few moments that didn’t go as planned. He could very well have scored himself but missed some chances. One of them was a potential 4–4 equalizer, which was followed shortly afterward by the penalty kick that led to England’s 5–3 victory.
Deschamps has to console Olise
Reportedly, Olise couldn’t get that moment out of his head. According to a L’Equipe report, the player was distraught and close to tears after losing the third-place match.
He blamed himself for not capitalizing on his chances in front of the goal, the report states. Although Olise was very pleased to have broken Pelé’s historic assist record, he was anything but satisfied with his final match at this World Cup.
His tears at the end of the match against England were thus a mix of personal frustration over not having scored any goals throughout the entire tournament—and not just in that game—and passionate pride in representing France.
Didier Deschamps, for whom it was his final game as France’s national team coach, spoke with him in the locker room to console him. He is said to have a very good relationship with the Bayern Munich player anyway. Deschamps has always challenged and encouraged him, striving to highlight his strengths within France’s exceptionally talented offensive lineup.
