Spain secured a spot in the World Cup final, defeating France 2-0 in their semifinal clash. This victory marks Spain’s first World Cup final appearance since winning the tournament in 2010. The win also prevented France from reaching the final for the third consecutive time.
Pedro Porro of Spain celebrated with his teammates after scoring the second goal against France. Spain’s solid defense and effective attacking play kept France’s renowned players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in check.
The European champion controlled the match, displaying both defensive strength and attacking flair. France struggled in midfield and was unable to cause significant trouble until falling behind by two goals.
Kylian Mbappé, a prolific World Cup knockout stage goal scorer, was neutralized. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, who leads the tournament in assists, were subdued by the Spanish defense.
Spain’s Yamine Lamal played a crucial role, winning a penalty kick in the first half. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty beyond French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Pedro Porro, formerly battling relegation at Tottenham Hotspur, scored Spain’s second goal at the 58th minute.
Spain reaches the final having conceded only one goal across seven matches. Since March 2024, Spain remains unbeaten in 37 matches in regular time, setting a national record. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain has not lost at the World Cup or European Championship.
France will compete in the third-place match in Miami Gardens, Florida, after failing to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Upcoming Clash: Argentina vs. England
Today’s matchup between Argentina and England in Atlanta will revisit one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries. This is their sixth World Cup encounter, the first in nearly three decades. Lionel Messi, potentially playing his last game for Argentina if he loses, faces England for the first time.
Argentina’s triumph in 2022 had Messi emulating Diego Maradona, who led his nation to victory in 1986. Maradona’s two iconic goals against England in the quarterfinals remain unforgettable.
Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament, propelling Argentina through challenges against Cape Verde and Egypt.
England’s Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid star, has also made a significant impact, scoring six goals, including doubles in the recent rounds.
Despite Julián Álvarez’s arrival at the tournament with a standout goal against Switzerland, England manager Thomas Tuchel recognizes that nullifying Messi is crucial to advancing.
Both teams share similarities beyond their quarterfinal fortune. Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson have been consistent in midfield, supporting their respective sides.
England relies heavily on captain Harry Kane and Bellingham, who trail Messi in the Golden Boot chase.
Argentina’s experience may give them an edge, yet defensive inconsistencies plague both teams.
Expect a passionate battle between two footballing nations whose rivalry runs deep. Watch today’s game on Telemundo and Peacock at 3 p.m. Eastern.