Spain is one win away from lifting the FIFA World Cup after producing an assured display to defeat tournament favourites France in the semi-finals at Dallas Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente’s side combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to overcome a France team packed with attacking quality, sealing a deserved place in Sunday’s final with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
The breakthrough came midway through the opening half after France left-back Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal while attempting to clear the ball, conceding a penalty. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly fired the spot-kick into the corner to hand Spain the lead.
With the advantage, Spain settled into the contest and dictated the tempo, limiting France to very few clear opportunities.
France was expected to respond strongly after the interval, but Spain continued to control proceedings. Their dominance was rewarded when Porro combined brilliantly with Dani Olmo in a neat one-two before finishing at the near post to double the lead.
Needing two goals to force their way back into the match, France struggled to find a way past Spain’s organised defence. The Spanish backline, which has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, stood firm once again.
Spain remained composed until the final whistle, comfortably seeing out the victory to secure their place in the World Cup final.
The defeat ends France’s bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup final. They will now face the third-place playoff on Saturday, which also marks the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell as head coach.
Spain, meanwhile, will head to New Jersey for Sunday’s final, where they will meet either England or Argentina as they chase a second FIFA World Cup title.
