Spain put up a sterling performance that made France look flat sometimes in their semi-final encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From start to finish, Spain dominated possession and were much more convinced about what to do with the ball than their opponents.
Their superior ball possession paid off within 10 minutes of the first half when Digne inadvertently kicked Lamin Yamal in the box, leaving the referee no option than to point at the penalty box.
Striker Oyarzabal calmly fired the spot kick into the far right corner for the opener.
France tried to respond but met a resolute Spanish defence that gave little or no space to France’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Barcola and Ousmane Dembele. France simply could not ignite their attacking prowess. Michael Olise’s trademark defence-splitting passes were always intercepted or blocked and he could not really pose much harm.
The first half belonged to Spain as the two teams headed to the dressing room at the interval.
At the resumption of play, Spain continued to dictate the game despite changes made by France Coach Didier Deschamps to bring in Desire Doue, Kone, Theo Hernandez. Spain remained disciplined and maintained a tight defensive line up.
Pedro Porro slotted in the second goal for Spain in 58th minute, literarily killing off the game. He pounced on a loose ball to fire past despairing Maignan in goal for France.
Spain keeper Unai Simon was off his line severally to thwart attacking threats from Mbappe; and Cucurella was outstanding in defence for Spain. The defender blocked perhaps the only clearest attempt on goal by Mbappe to sum up how subdued the France team was in this encounter.
With this result, Spain has reached the final on July 19, having conceded only one goal (the least by any team) since the tournament started in Mexico, Canada and United States of America on June 11.
Argentina and England will square up tomorrow in the second semi-final to determine who meets Spain in the final on Sunday.