France v Spain semi-final players, teams, games, fixtures, results
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final, dominating possession and tactical control throughout the match. The victory puts Spain in the final, where they will face either England or Argentina.
Why it matters
Spain's tactical dominance in this match highlights a potential shift in international football power dynamics as they pursue their second World Cup title.
Pinned post from 8.04am Go to latest MATCH REPORT: Spain choke the life out of France By Spain suffocated France deep in the heart of Texas, powering into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 with a spellbinding 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
From the opening whistle, the Spaniards wrapped themselves around France like an anaconda, tightening their grip with every wave of pressing and every spell of possession until the life had been squeezed from a French attack that had looked irresistible throughout the tournament.
Spain celebrate. AP Photo/Julio Cortez The European champions are now within one victory of completing a double of the game’s biggest prizes. They will discover their final opponents on Thursday (AEST) when England face Argentina in Atlanta for a place in Monday morning’s (AEST) showpiece.
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