Spain reached their first FIFA World Cup final since 2010 after defeating France 2-0 in their semi-final in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, ending France’s title hopes with a disciplined and dominant display.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain’s victory and booked a place in the final, where they will face either England or Argentina on July 19 in East Rutherford.
Spain controlled possession for much of the match and limited France’s attacking threat, keeping forwards Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele largely quiet.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the penalty area. Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain the lead.
France suffered another setback during the first half when central defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury and replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Head coach Didier Deschamps made changes after the interval, introducing Manu Kone for Adrien Rabiot before later bringing on Desire Doue for Bradley Barcola in an attempt to revive France’s attack. However, Spain continued to dictate the game.
Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage shortly before the hour mark after combining with Dani Olmo in a flowing attacking move, effectively putting the result beyond France.
“We did everything right against a team that was having a brilliant World Cup,” Porro said after the match.
He added that Spain’s control of possession had been decisive.
“One of the key factors that got us into the final was keeping possession of the ball. It’s a victory for an incredible team, a group of spectacular players – a victory for all 26 players.”
France manager Didier Deschamps admitted his side had been outplayed.
“The players are devastated, but we have to be clear-headed: technically, we were second best. That is on us,” he said.
“We lacked technical precision and energy. The Spanish are very good at breaking up moves by reading interceptions and passes. We would have liked to cause them more problems going forward.”
Captain Kylian Mbappe echoed that assessment.
“We did not produce the performance we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” Mbappe said.
“When you fail to do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you do not win.”
Oyarzabal’s penalty was his 30th international goal, making him the sixth Spain player to reach that milestone. Pedro Porro was named Player of the Match.
The win also extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling Italy’s record, and kept alive hopes of a second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa.
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