A night of Spanish dominance in Lusail
Spain produced a masterclass in Lusail, dismantling France with a 2-0 semi-final victory that left the French side shell‑shocked. From the opening whistle the Spanish side controlled possession, stifling France's attack and dictating the tempo.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the spot after a VAR‑reviewed handball, coolly converting the penalty to put Spain ahead. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the second half with a clinical finish that capped a fluid attacking move.
Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, acknowledged after the match that his team was outclassed technically, conceding that Spain’s tactical discipline and pressing left his side without answers.
With the final now set against the winner of the England‑Argentina clash, Spain’s coach hinted at a historic showdown that could rewrite the nation’s tournament narrative, while the Spanish players celebrated a collective triumph.
The Spanish side moved with the precision of a club side, their passing telepathic and their pressing relentless, limiting France to just two shots on target. Porro described the victory as a dream realized, and Oyarzabal emphasized that the win was a team effort involving all 26 members of the squad.
France will now contest the third‑place match, seeking to salvage some pride after a tournament that promised a lethal attack but failed to break down Spain’s organized defense.