Spain Dismantles France 2-0, Reaches First World Cup Final Since 2010

France entered the tournament as the top-ranked team and favorite. Spain sent them home without a memorable shot on target.

First-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a second-half goal from Pedro Porro gave Spain a 2-0 win over France at Dallas Stadium, sending La Roja to their first World Cup final since 2010. Spain will face the winner of England versus Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

It was not close, and it was not the match anyone had advertised. As the match unfolded, it became clear it was neither close nor the match anyone had advertised.22nd minute. Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old leading Spain’s attack this tournament, won a penalty, which Oyarzabal converted. Moments later, France lost star defender William Saliba to an apparent non-contact back injury.

Spain doubled the lead in the 58th minute. Defender Porro combined quickly with Dani Olmo and scored. For a match hyped for attacking talent, the second goal came from an unexpected player.

From that point on, Spain’s tactical discipline suffocated France, pressing high and limiting their movement between the lines. Spain denied France’s attackers time and space, effectively neutralizing their strengths.

The match was defined by those missing as much as by those present. Kylian Mbappé, tied for the Golden Boot at eight goals, was neutralized. He had the fewest touches and couldn’t find space. Late, he was booked for a foul on Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón—reflecting France’s frustration.

Midway through the second half, statistics showed France had two attempts versus Spain’s six, with only Spain on target. Didier Deschamps substituted Désiré Doué for Bradley Barcola, but nothing changed.

Only twice in World Cup history has a team overcome a halftime deficit to win a semifinal. France never threatened a third instance.

The last finalist will be decided on Wednesday in Atlanta, where England and Argentina play for a place in Sunday’s final—a matchup rich in history.

England seeks its first World Cup final in 60 years. Argentina aims for back-to-back titles, last done by Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

“This is as big as it gets, so I’m really excited for this week,” England captain Harry Kane told ITV. “I think it’s going to be a special game, and what a tough team to play against, but hopefully, that brings the best out in us.”

England leads Argentina 3-1-1 in World Cups, but the two non-wins loom large: the 1986 quarterfinal loss to Maradona’s “Hand of God,” and the 1998 round-of-16 exit after David Beckham’s red card. Kane dismissed the history.

“I think it’s not something you want to focus too much on, surrounding the history,” he said. “It’s England versus Argentina, it’s two of the biggest nations going toe to toe. Two giants in the semifinal of a World Cup. The rest of it is just a small part.”

Lionel Messi, at 39 and in his sixth World Cup, has set tournament records with 21 goals and 10 assists. His eight goals tie him with Mbappé for the Golden Boot, though Mbappé’s run ended Tuesday.

Argentina’s quarterfinal told another story. Messi did not score in the 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, ending his record nine-match scoring streak—but Argentina won anyway, showing depth after relying on him for eight of 14 goals.

Argentina’s knockout run has been turbulent. The team needed extra time in two of three matches and trailed Egypt 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the round of 16 before rallying.

“Luck was with us,” coach Lionel Scaloni said after the Switzerland match. “We must be realistic; there are things we need to improve.”

Argentina defender Gonzalo Montiel struck a respectful but unbowed note ahead of England. “They have great players, but beyond the individual names they’re a team,” he said. “Our focus is on ourselves first.”

Editorial Disclaimer: This article was originally written in English. The other language versions are produced using AI translation, and errors are possible — the English version is authoritative. CTN also uses AI to convert text into audio. Readers and listeners should rely on the English text where any discrepancy arises.

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