Spain are through to the FIFA World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal at Dallas Stadium, ending Les Bleus’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final.
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Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after 19-year-old Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne while attempting to control a high ball inside the box. Although the challenge appeared accidental, the referee pointed straight to the spot, and Oyarzabal made no mistake.
La Roja doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through defender Pedro Porro after a superb team move. Dani Olmo, who controlled the midfield throughout the match, combined brilliantly with Porro in a quick one-two before the Tottenham full-back raced into the penalty area and slotted the ball past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Olmo was fouled during the move, but Spain had already played themselves into a perfect scoring position.
France struggled to find the midfield control that had carried them through earlier rounds. Adrien Rabiot picked up an early yellow card, limiting his influence before being substituted at half-time, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele failed to make a significant impact for most of the match.
Spain continued to dictate possession, with Olmo linking defence and attack effortlessly. France’s biggest threat came through Kylian Mbappe, whose pace troubled the Spanish defence on several occasions, but goalkeeper Unai Simon produced a series of important saves to preserve Spain’s lead.
The Spaniards nearly extended their advantage before half-time after Maignan’s poor clearance gifted possession to Spain high up the pitch. A flowing passing move created an opening for Fabian Ruiz, but Dayot Upamecano made a crucial block to deny a third goal.
Spain thought they had scored again early in the second half when Lamine Yamal finished off a brilliant solo run, only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
France came closest to scoring in the 81st minute when Desire Doue seized on a loose clearance after Simon rushed out of his goal. With plenty of time, Doue attempted to lob the Spanish goalkeeper, but his effort lacked height, allowing Simon to recover and make the save.
As frustration grew, Mbappe was shown a yellow card for pushing Simon after the goalkeeper had gathered the ball. The France captain also had a late free-kick just outside the penalty area in the 88th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Dembele finally came alive in injury time, creating two late opportunities as France desperately searched for a way back. However, Simon denied his final effort, sealing a composed Spanish victory.
Spain will now play in the FIFA World Cup final, while France must settle for the third-place playoff after seeing their dream of another World Cup final come to an end.
