France v Spain: Spain qualify for World Cup final after clinical semi
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final to secure a spot in the final. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed the victory in a match where Spain's defense effectively neutralized France's attack.
Why it matters
Spain's clinical performance confirms their status as a top contender, setting up a high-stakes final match.
Spain are through to their second-ever World Cup final after a footballing masterclass in their 2-0 win over pre-tournament favourites France in Dallas.
There was plenty of hype heading into the match between the two European powerhouses, but France failed to show up, as Spain’s defence shut down their elite attackers, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with an emphatic penalty in the first half before Pedro Porro doubled their lead in the second half.
There were plenty of nerves from both sides in the opening exchanges, and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute that Spain broke the deadlock when referee Ivan Barton pointed to the penalty spot after a reckless challenge by France left-back Lucas Digne on Spain winger Lamine Yamal.
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