Spain Defeat France to Reach Second-Ever World Cup Final

49%

Possession

51%

14

Shots

10

4

Shots on target

2

7

Corners

1

11

Fouls

12

2

Yellow cards

1

0

Red cards

0

4

Offsides

5

0

Saves

4

Spain produced another commanding performance to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup final for only the second time in the nation’s history and ending Les Bleus’ bid to reach a third consecutive final.

The Spaniards controlled much of the semifinal from the opening whistle, combining disciplined defending with quick attacking transitions to frustrate a France side led by Kylian Mbappé.

Despite France’s quality in attack, Spain’s organised backline ensured the former champions created few clear-cut opportunities throughout the contest.

Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after defender Lucas Digne fouled teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area while attempting to clear the ball.

Referee pointed to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to give his side the lead.

France pushed forward in search of an equaliser after the break, but Spain remained composed and doubled their advantage in the 58th minute.

Pedro Porro finished off a flowing move involving Dani Olmo, beating Maignan with a clinical strike to put the match beyond France’s reach.

Mbappé and his teammates continued to press in the closing stages, but Spain’s defence held firm. The France captain came closest from a late free kick, only to send his effort over the crossbar.

The victory marked Spain’s sixth clean sheet of the tournament, underlining the defensive resilience that has powered their impressive World Cup campaign.

Spain, champions of the 2010 World Cup, will now face the winner of the second semifinal between England and Argentina in the final, where they will seek to lift the trophy for the second time in their history.