Spain’s second goal scorer, Pedro Porro
* The semi-final showdown between the tournament’s two favourites and standout sides had been eagerly anticipated — but France didn’t show up
By Neil Johnston, BBC Sport & Peter Smith, SkySports News
Spain produced an absolute masterclass in control to secure their place in just their second FIFA World Cup™ final — leaving the rest of the world stunned at how France were blown away.
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Les Bleus went into Tuesday’s eagerly anticipated semifinal as overwhelming favourites having cruised through the tournament, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise making them an attacking force to be feared.
But while many were questioning how France could be beaten, Spain reminded everyone why they are European champions and unbeaten in a record-equalling 37 matches by running out 2-0 winners.
Luis de la Fuente’s men have rather flown under the radar at this World Cup — even failing to beat debutants Cape-Verde-in-their-opening-group-match, and teenage superstar Lamine Yamal has scored just one goal.
But they appear to have hit peak form at the right time and, having kept a clean sheet in six of their seven games, can expect to be favourites for Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will face either Argentina or England.
France, meanwhile, must prepare for the third-place play-off after being frustrated by a midfield masterclass and managing just three attempts on target.
“Spain scalped France — they flattened France,” said former Premier League champion Chris Sutton, who was at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We have given France so much praise in this tournament, but they were swatted aside by silky Spain. In the main, Spain have outfought and outplayed this French team.”
Roy Keane — another Premier League winner — said on ITV: “France were not playing as a team. Brilliant individuals not playing as a team. Spain have been absolutely brilliant – an absolute joy to watch.”
When De la Fuente was appointed Spain boss in December 2022, some referred to him as: “Luis de la Who?”
Spain — world champions under Vicente del Bosque in 2010 — are used to being led by high-profile personalities, and de la Fuente was viewed as a low-key federation appointment after his time in charge of the nation’s under-19s, under-21s and under-23s.
But the 65-year-old has given an emphatic response to the doubters. Having led Spain to a Nations League triumph in 2023 and Euro 2024 glory, he has now guided them to the World Cup final.
If England win in Atlanta on Wednesday, they will set up a repeat of the European Championship final of two years ago.
“We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it’s brought us here,” said de la Fuente. “Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. That is different.
“These players deserve everything — day after day they’ve shown their commitment, their solidarity, their generosity, their talent. They make the difficult look easy.”
The semi-final showdown France didn’t show up
The semi-final showdown between the tournament’s two favourites and standout sides had been eagerly anticipated — but France didn’t show up.
As bad as France were, Spain demonstrated their all-round strength. With Kylian Mbappe shackled and Les Bleus’ other attackers, including Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, blunted, Spain struck in each half.
Mikel Oyarzabal slammed in a penalty after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal as he tried to clear the ball, before Pedro Porro connected with Dani Olmo to slot in the second after a slick move.
France had mustered just two shots and none on target when Porro hit the net and they couldn’t come up with any Bastille Day fireworks in the final stages to scare Spain.
Michael Olise, the World Cup’s top creator, was subbed off on 72 minutes, summing up how badly their attack had misfired.
A third-place play-off awaits them on Saturday now — an underwhelming end to Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure.—Editing by Maravi Express
Knockout stages results
Round of 32
* South Africa 0-1 Canada
* Jordan 1-3 Argentina
* Brazil 2-1 Japan
* Germany 1(3)-1(4) Paraguay
* Netherlands 1(2)-1(3) Morocco
* Côte d’Ivoire 1-2 Norway
* France 3-0 Sweden
* Mexico 2-0 Ecuador
* England 1-2 DR Congo
* Belgium 3-2 Senegal
* USA 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
* Spain 3-0 Austria
* Portugal 2-1 Croatia
* Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
* Australia 1(2)-1(4) Egypt
* Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
* Colombia 1-0 Ghana
Round of 16
* Canada 0-3 Morocco
* Paraguay 0-1 France
* Brazil 1-2 Norway
* Mexico 2-3 England
* Portugal 0-1 Spain
* USA 1-4 Belgium
* Argentina 3-2 Egypt
* Switzerland 0(4)-0(3) Colombia
Quarterfinals
* Morocco 0-2 France
* Belgium 1-2 Spain
* Norway 1-2 England
* Argentina 3-1 Switzerland
Semifinals
France 0-2 Spain
Today, July 15
* England v Argentina (21h00)
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