Spain secured a 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinals, advancing to the final for the first time since 2010.
A Penalty That Changed the Game
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert a penalty after Lamine Yamal’s decisive play forced a foul inside the box. The goal marked Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament and his 30th appearance for the national side.
Pedro Porro doubled the lead with a well‑timed strike that followed a quick give‑and‑go with Dani Olmo, showcasing the fluid attacking movement that defined Spain’s performance.
The triumph also extended Spain’s unbeaten streak in regular time to 37 matches and underscored their dominance over France, marking the third consecutive tournament semifinal win over their rivals.
France, the tournament’s top‑ranked side, will now face a third‑place playoff after their six‑match winning streak was halted. Their defense, which had conceded only two goals in the first six games, was broken by Spain’s efficient finishing.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón recorded his sixth clean sheet of the competition, reinforcing Spain’s reputation for defensive solidity while midfield anchor Rodri helped control the tempo throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Spain will meet either Argentina or England in the final, a clash that promises another chapter in the team’s recent resurgence on the world stage.
The match also highlighted the emergence of young talents such as Lamine Yamal, who contributed directly to the decisive penalty, and the experienced presence of veterans like Kylian Mbappé, who will now shift focus to the consolation game.
Coach Luis de la Fuente praised the squad’s cohesion after the win, noting that the collective effort was the cornerstone of their success.