Amir Yaseen

Srinagar, July 15

Spain are one victory away from completing a remarkable resurgence on football’s grandest stage.
Displaying the composure, tactical discipline and technical precision that have defined their tournament, La Roja defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, booking their first appearance in the World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago.
Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot after the in-form striker was awarded a spot kick when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the area. Spain tightened their grip on the contest after the interval when right-back Pedro Porro surged forward to finish a flowing team move in the 58th minute, leaving France with a mountain to climb.
The scoreline reflected Spain’s control. Luis de la Fuente’s side dictated possession, closed passing lanes with relentless intensity and denied France’s star-studded attack the space it had enjoyed throughout the tournament. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise were repeatedly frustrated by an organized Spanish back line marshalled by Rodri and goalkeeper Unai Simón.
France, finalists in each of the last two World Cups, struggled to generate sustained pressure despite enjoying spells of possession in the closing stages. Didier Deschamps introduced fresh legs in search of a response, but Spain remained compact and composed, comfortably seeing out the victory to record another statement win over their European rivals.
The triumph continues Spain’s impressive recent dominance over France, following victories in the UEFA Euro 2024 and UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinals. Under De la Fuente, Spain have developed into one of the world’s most balanced teams, blending youthful flair through Yamal with the experience of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Oyarzabal.
Spain will now face the winner of the second semifinal between England and Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will bid to capture a second world title and cap a golden era that has rapidly gathered momentum under De la Fuente. France, meanwhile, must regroup for the third-place playoff after falling short against the tournament’s most complete side.

Match information, quotes, and photos courtesy of FIFA.com