French supporters who had travelled to Dallas for the semi-final against Spain left the stadium disappointed, but admitting grudging respect for a well-organised opponent. There was little appetite for excuses and gratitude towards Didier Deschamps – as well as curiosity over what's to come when France legend Zinedine Zidane steps into his shoes.
Several fans were quick to frame the loss as a tactical one, rather than a case of France simply having an off day.
"They'd clearly studied France's style closely, our passing lanes, our movements," said one supporter, adding that Spain "almost always had the right tempo, the right rhythm".
Another agreed the midfield had been overrun throughout: "We were behind the play on every ball, arriving late, not knowing who to pick up."
One fan bluntly concluded: "We were second best and we have to accept we weren't as good."
Praise for Deschamps
There was no real appetite for blaming the referee. One fan, who admitted he usually enjoyed "crying about refereeing scandals," said that this time "there's not much else to say" beyond a debatable penalty call.
Another described the result as "clean and clinical".
Neither was there any criticism of head coach Deschamps. "He's given us so much that there's nothing to say," said one supporter. Another wondered what comes next: "It'll be interesting to see what Zinedine Zidane can do with the same group."
One fan noted that Deschamps had long faced criticism for cautious football, but "this tournament was the complete opposite," praising a front four who managed to "combine so well and produce such entertaining football".
Given the choice, he said: "I'd rather lose playing well than lose without showing anything."
France now turn their attention to Miami, where they will compete for third place on Saturday against either England or Argentina, who face each other tonight.
This article has been adapted from French reports by RFI journalists in Dallas.
