Spain are World Cup finalists for the second time in three tournaments after a clinical 2-0 victory over France at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The result ends Les Bleus’ hopes of lifting a third world title and sets up a showdown with either Argentina or England.
At a glance
- Spain beat tournament favourites France 2-0 to reach the final
- Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot after Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal
- Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the second half
- Spain dominate in midfield, limiting France’s attacking quartet
- Final will be on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium
- Spain await the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England
Oyarzabal struck early in the first half, converting the opening penalty, and Porro added the second goal midway through the second period. Spain’s midfield presence shaped the game from start to finish, restricting Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise to few workable moments.
Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo repeatedly outnumbered and out-passed Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni, keeping France chasing rather than dictating. Rabiot received an early caution after nine minutes for fouling Olmo, and although Mbappé forced a late scramble block from Pau Cubarsí shortly afterwards, Spain kept control of possession and field position.
The match’s decisive incident arrived in the 20th minute. Lucas Digne’s attempted clearance went awry as he caught Lamine Yamal inside the area, and referee Iván Barton pointed to the spot immediately. Oyarzabal stepped up to send Mike Maignan the wrong way from 12 yards.
Late first-half threats
France’s difficulties intensified before halftime when William Saliba was taken off injured after 31 minutes, with Maxence Lacroix coming on in his place. Spain pushed for a second goal before the break, but Dayot Upamecano cleared off the line to deny Ruiz.
At the other end, Unai Simón made a sharp stop to thwart Mbappé after a clever pass from Rabiot, preserving the 1-0 advantage as the teams went in at the interval.
Spain resumed with the same authority, and their second goal arrived in the 58th minute. A quick one-two between Porro and Olmo split France’s defence, allowing Porro to finish calmly past Maignan. Yamal appeared to have added a third just minutes later, but the effort was chalked off for offside.
Didier Deschamps used his bench in search of an equaliser, yet France struggled to find a route through a disciplined Spanish back line. Simón stood firm again, denying Mbappé from close range as Spain protected the lead.
Mbappé’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time, when he was shown a booking for a follow-through on Spain’s goalkeeper. With that, the final whistle confirmed Spain’s place in the championship match.
Spain—European champions and World Cup winners in 2010—will now wait for the outcome of Wednesday’s semi-final between Argentina and England. The final is scheduled for Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
