The World Cup semifinal between France and Spain captivated fans from start to finish. Spain emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, advancing to the final.
Early Action
The match began with anticipation as both teams sought to establish dominance. Spain struck first with a penalty in the 22nd minute. Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box, and Mikel Oyarzabal seized the opportunity by converting the penalty kick, putting Spain in the lead.
France’s Struggle
France faced challenges throughout the match. Despite possessing a strong offense, they couldn’t break through Spain’s defense. They managed to take five shots but failed to target any on goal. Kylian Mbappé was visibly frustrated as Spain’s Marc Cucurella deflected one of his efforts wide.
Spanish Defense
Spain displayed excellent defensive skills. Unai Simón, Spain’s goalkeeper, executed key plays to thwart France’s attacks. He made his first save in the 64th minute, denying Kylian Mbappé a chance to score from a tight angle.
Second Goal
Pedro Porro added to Spain’s lead with a well-positioned shot in the second half, capitalizing on a pass from Dani Olmo. This goal underscored France’s defensive lapse as Spain exploited their weakness efficiently.
France’s Substitutions
In an attempt to shift the momentum, France made several substitutions, including introducing Rayan Cherki and Theo Hernández for Michael Olise and Lucas Digne. However, these changes couldn’t alter the course of the game.
Spain’s Dominance
Spain maintained control throughout, ending the match with 56% possession. This dominance limited France’s usual aggressive style, showing why Spain was a favorite going into the tournament.
Historic Semi-Final
This match was a highlight even before it began, given its historic rematch aspect. Spain had eliminated France twice previously in semifinals since 2024. The expectation was clear: both teams were powerhouses in the tournament.
Spain’s victory sets them up for a showdown in the final against either Argentina or England, promising more exciting World Cup action.