In Arlington, Texas, Spain secured a 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final, moving one match away from the championship. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a penalty in the 22nd minute, and Pedro Porro doubled the lead just before the hour mark. Spain controlled possession, stifled France’s attack and limited the opposition to just two shots on target.
A Tactical Masterclass
France’s coach Didier Deschamps admitted after the match that his side had been outplayed, while Porro described the win as a dream come true. The Spanish side displayed a level of telepathic movement that reminded observers of a well‑drilled club. Spain’s midfield orchestrated the game with precision, cutting off France’s creative outlets and forcing errors from players such as Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, who struggled to find space.
The triumph sets up a final showdown on Sunday against the winner of the England‑Argentina clash. A new Spanish golden era could be on the horizon, with every member of the 26‑man squad having contributed to the performance. Kylian Mbappe, despite being one of the most feared attackers, was ineffective for France, as were the other French forwards.
The match was held in Arlington, Texas, a venue chosen for its neutral setting, and the final will also take place there on Sunday. Spain’s victory not only advances their tournament run but also signals a potential resurgence of dominance in international football.