Spain produced a superb tactical display to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0 on Tuesday, booking their place in the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010 while ending Les Bleus’ hopes of securing a third world title.
First-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a fine second-half finish by Pedro Porro sealed a deserved victory for the reigning European champions at AT&T Stadium in the Dallas area.
Spain will now meet either defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina and England face each other in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta.
France, the world’s top-ranked side, had entered the match as favourites after an impressive, high-scoring run through the tournament and were hoping to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals. Instead, Didier Deschamps’ side will play in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The victory also continued Spain’s recent dominance over their rivals, marking the third successive summer they have eliminated France in the semi-finals of a major tournament. Lamine Yamal scored in Spain’s 2-1 victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals shortly before his 17th birthday, while La Roja also triumphed 5-4 in last year’s Nations League.
Following Spain’s quarter-final victory over Belgium, Yamal had declared that France should fear Spain. Those words proved prophetic. ALSO READ: Spain to play France in World Cup semi-finals after 2-1 victory over Belgium.
Spain immediately imposed themselves on the contest, controlling possession through an outstanding midfield performance led by Rodri, with Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo providing constant support. Their movement and passing repeatedly overwhelmed France’s midfield pairing of Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni, preventing the French from establishing any rhythm.
France’s frustration became evident after only nine minutes when Rabiot was booked for treading on Olmo’s foot just outside the penalty area.
Despite Spain’s dominance, France threatened on the counter-attack and almost broke through in the 16th minute when Kylian Mbappé burst clear, only for Pau Cubarsí to produce a vital last-ditch block.
Spain’s superiority was rewarded midway through the first half.
Marc Cucurella’s cross drifted across the penalty area, where Lucas Digne failed to properly control his attempted headed clearance. After a heavy first touch, the veteran defender tried to recover as Yamal darted in from behind to challenge. The ball glanced off the teenager before Digne caught him with his clearance, sending the Barcelona winger tumbling to the ground.
El Salvadoran referee Iván Barton immediately pointed to the penalty spot, and after a brief delay as French players protested, Oyarzabal calmly converted the spot-kick beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan. ALSO READ: Late Merino goal keeps Spain dream alive and closes the curtain on Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The strike was Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament and his 30th in 60 appearances for Spain. It also marked the first time either side had fallen behind during their seven matches at this World Cup.
France’s problems deepened after 31 minutes when central defender William Saliba was forced off through injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Spain continued to dictate proceedings and almost doubled their lead before half-time following an intricate passing move on the edge of the area, only for Dayot Upamecano to make a crucial block to deny Ruiz. ALSO READ: Clinical Spain march into World Cup last 16 with dominant display against Austria.
France enjoyed their best spell shortly before the interval, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced an excellent save after Mbappé was released by a clever through ball from Rabiot.
Spain quickly regained control after the restart, with their midfield once again taking command as France struggled to adjust tactically. ALSO READ: Spain top Group H in World Cup with narrow win as Uruguay suffer shock early exit.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 58th minute when Porro exchanged a superb one-two with Olmo before racing into the area and calmly clipping his finish beyond Maignan to double Spain’s advantage. ALSO READ: Teenage star Yamal inspires Spain’s four-goal response to early World Cup stumble.
Only moments later, Yamal thought he had added a third goal a day after celebrating his 19th birthday, but his effort was ruled out by a marginal offside decision. ALSO READ: Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain in historic World Cup opener.
Deschamps responded with a series of substitutions in an attempt to revive France, but Spain’s disciplined defence left little space for Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise to operate. France’s best opportunity came when Mbappé’s effort at the near post was blocked by Simón.
As the match slipped away, France’s frustration became increasingly apparent. Mbappé was shown a late yellow card after following through on Simón, while Spain comfortably saw out the closing stages to complete a memorable victory.
Having combined defensive discipline with midfield control and ruthless finishing, Spain now stand one victory away from becoming world champions for the second time.
ALSO READ: Goldman Sachs model tips Spain to win 2026 World Cup ahead of France and Argentina.
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Pues al final vamos a vivir un…
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