Some things on the green field may only be explained by metaphysics. For example, when France and Spain meet in the European Championship, two heroes will always be born: the national hero who leads the team to victory and the tragic hero who regrets losing. For example, Platini and Santillinaya in 1984, Zidane and Raul in 2000, Alonso and Benzema in 2012. The old rivals met again this morning. The Matador Legion reversed the Gallic Rooster 2-1 and advanced to the final after narrowly conceding a goal. The 16-year-old Yamal became the young hero of the Spanish team, while the 33-year-old Kante could only end his European Championship journey with regret, helplessness and applause.
Caption: Kante Official Picture (the same below)
Before the European Championships, when French coach Deschamps included Kante in the squad, there were many doubts from the outside world. Older age, being far away from mainstream European competitions, injuries, etc. are all issues that people are worried about. After all, the midfield defensive champion who once made many opponents lament that "there is no obstacle in the world that cannot be overcome, but there is Kante that cannot be overcome" is now no longer a strong defensive player. "Gold mining" in the Saudi league. On the first day of the team's training camp, when talking about this issue, Kanter was very frank: "I have heard the voices from the outside world. To be honest, the problems they listed are objective, but the football stadium Performance still has to speak for itself. I hope they can make a conclusion after watching our games.”
Kanter’s confidence comes from daily accumulation and high-quality training. Even in the Saudi stadium, the Frenchman has always maintained his confidence. Demand and intensity previously at Leicester City and Chelsea. After the start of the European Championships, when the French team's overall performance was unsatisfactory, especially when the offensive end was weak, Kante and the midfielders led by him became Deschamps' few reliance. Before the semi-finals of this European Championship, the French team did not score a single goal in open play, but they also did not concede a goal in open play. Deschamps was able to confidently respond to doubts that "we can advance by relying on defense", and Kanter played a major role.
But Deschamps seems to have forgotten that even if Kanter is made of steel, he will still get tired. This morning, facing the Spanish team, which has the strongest attack power in this European Championship and is composed of many talented young people, Kante finally showed a trace of fatigue. Even though he tried his best in the confrontation with Rodri, he still failed. Faced with the continuous impact of many people, the midfield defense line that almost no one could pass finally encountered a "hump" that even he could not get over. Seeing his disciple so tired, Deschamps on the sidelines seemed to be a little unbearable. He replaced Kante in the 62nd minute. This move seemed to be a desperate move for victory, but in fact it was equivalent to breaking an arm. Accept failure.
The final whistle sounded, and Kanter on the bench looked a little lonely. This once unknown little man has won championships in heavyweight competitions such as the World Cup and the Premier League in the past few years, but he has been unable to make any achievements in the European Championships. He is inevitably unwilling to accept it. But what is heartbreaking is that Kante will be 37 years old when the next European Championship comes. Although there are examples of Ronaldo and Modric before him, no one can say that the French iron waist will not be there. A comeback four years later is unlikely. Perhaps, the defeat of the French team is more like a relief for Kante. He does not need to use his tireless running and stealing to "make up for Deschamps' stubbornness and Mbappe's absent-mindedness" before the start of the new season. During these days, the "French iron waist" can finally drive that old and somewhat worn-out Mini for a ride on the streets of his hometown. As for the European Championship, a "hump" that he has not overcome in his career so far, he will wait until Think about it next time. (Xinmin Evening News reporter Lu Weixin)
