French newspapers salute 'heroic' display in World Cup final loss to Argentina

The French press proclaimed their 'pride' in the national team despite their agonising World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Having battled back from two goals down in normal time and a 3-2 deficit in extra time, Les Bleus were beaten on penalty kicks in a final that could justifiably claim to be the best ever.

And that fighting spirit was praised by all the newspapers on Monday as they reflected on the surrender of their world crown.

L'Equipe's front page pictured Kylian Mbappe, whose final hat-trick was ultimately in vain, walking past the trophy but with eyes fixed upwards. Their headline said: 'Heads held high'.

They saluted 'a legendary final' in which the 'heroic' French team 'came within a few centimetres of a second world title in a row, after a breathless final which was both cruel and magnificent.'

L'Humanité said the French team had earned the title 'champions of hearts' after their 'breathtaking' run to the final.

Fabien Gay wrote in his editorial: 'We must congratulate the new generation embodied by Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot and the two Girondins (ex-Bordeaux players), Jules Kounde and Aurelien Tchouameni, for this magnificent journey and the fall of many records.'

A number of regional papers proclaimed the final as 'beautiful and cruel', with L'Alsace saying it was 'perhaps one of the most beautiful in World Cup history.'

Other depicted Mbappe looking glum as he walked past the World Cup. 'Shooting star' was the headline on Paris Normandie, who blacked out their front cover.

Nice-Matin did the same effect, with a Mbappe picture and a 'crazy and cruel' headline.

La Provence featured a striking image of Mbappe yelling in dismay as France slipped to their defeat and a one-word headline: 'Cruel'.

Liberation featured a striking split front page depicting both Messi celebrating and Mbappe screaming with the word 'legendary' between them. They also saluted the 'epic spirit' of the French side.

La Marseillaise had a striking front page that showed Argentina lifting the World Cup and three stars to represent their third triumph.

However, the third star was stained red to represent the human rights abuses that have tainted the Qatar tournament.