Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since winning the title in 2010 after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semifinal in Arlington, Texas.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured the win as the European champions dominated possession and neutralised France’s attacking threat throughout the contest.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box, while Porro doubled Spain’s advantage just before the hour mark with a composed finish following a neat exchange with Dani Olmo.
Spain controlled the game from start to finish, limiting France to just two shots on target and denying stars including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise any meaningful impact.
Porro described the victory as “a dream come true,” praising Spain’s collective performance against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his side was second best, saying they lacked the technical quality and energy needed to compete with Spain’s disciplined display.
Mbappe also acknowledged Spain’s superiority, admitting France fell short tactically and technically on the biggest stage.
Spain will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina in Sunday’s final as they seek to claim a second World Cup title and complete a World Cup-European Championship double. France will take on the loser in the third-place playoff.
