Spain outclassed France in a mesmerising display of clinical football, securing a ruthless 2-0 victory to storm into the FIFA World Cup final.
This monumental triumph marks only the second time in history that La Roja has reached the tournament’s ultimate stage, ending a long-standing knockout drought that had persisted since their legendary 2010 World Cup victory.
Spain vs France: Mikel Oyarzabal Breaks the Deadlock
While the high-stakes clash began with a cagey, high-tension atmosphere, Spain quickly asserted their dominance.
A confident La Roja side controlled the possession, neutralising early French threats led by Kylian Mbappé thanks to brilliant defensive coordination from Pau Cubarsí, Pedro Porro, and Aymeric Laporte.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when the relentless Lamine Yamal forced Lucas Digne into a clumsy challenge in the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to the penalty spot, coolly converting the spot-kick to put Spain ahead just before a crucial hydration break.
France’s struggles compounded immediately after the break when key defender William Saliba was forced off due to injury.
Despite late first-half pressure from Les Bleus, including a close effort from Bradley Barcola and a sharp defensive sweep from goalkeeper Unai Simón, Spain kept their composure to head into halftime with the lead.
Pedro Porro Seals the Deal as La Roja Cruise to the Final
Didier Deschamps turned to his bench early in the second half, introducing Manu Koné and Désiré Doué to spark a French revival.
However, Spain crushed any hopes of a comeback almost instantly. Dani Olmo found Pedro Porro, who made a brilliant run and beat Mike Maignan to double the lead with his second international goal.
Yamal thought he had put the game completely out of reach shortly after, but his effort was ruled out by a marginal offside call.
France pushed hard for a lifeline, but Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header sailed over the bar and Marc Cucurella made a heroic block to deflect Mbappé’s goal-bound effort.
With six clean sheets in seven matches, Spain’s formidable defense held firm until the final whistle, setting up a highly anticipated final against either England or Argentina.
The defeat marks a historic, yet bittersweet, milestone for Didier Deschamps, who became the first manager to take charge of 26 matches at the World Cup on the day France missed out on the final for the first time in three tournaments.