ARLINGTON, Texas : Spain produced a commanding display to beat France 2-0 on Tuesday and reach their first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010, overwhelming Didier Deschamps’ side with relentless pressing and superior possession.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed victory for the European champions, who will face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final as they bid to complete a World Cup-European Championship double.
“A dream come true… to be honest, I never even imagined anything like this, not even in my wildest dreams,” Porro said.
“We did everything right against a team that was having a brilliant World Cup.”
Spain controlled the match from the outset, dominating possession and denying France’s star-studded attack any sustained opportunities. Les Bleus managed just two shots on target as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise were largely kept quiet.
France will now contest the third-place playoff after falling short in their bid to reach a second successive World Cup final.
“The players are devastated, but we have to be clear-headed: technically, we were second best,” coach Didier Deschamps said.
“We lacked technical precision and energy. The Spanish are very good at breaking up moves by reading interceptions and passes. We would have liked to cause them more problems going forward.”
Spain’s fluid movement and intricate passing repeatedly stretched the French defence, with Luis de la Fuente’s side dictating the tempo throughout.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute after Marc Cucurella delivered a cross into the penalty area. As France defender Lucas Digne attempted to clear the ball, he caught Lamine Yamal with his follow-through, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Oyarzabal sent goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way from the spot, handing France their first deficit of the tournament.
A scheduled cooling break offered Deschamps an opportunity to reorganise his side, but Spain remained firmly in control.
Olise struggled to influence the contest under close attention from Cucurella, while Dembele, Bradley Barcola and substitute Desire Doue also failed to make an impact. Mbappe was similarly unable to inspire a comeback.
Spain doubled their advantage just before the hour when Porro exchanged passes with Dani Olmo before calmly finishing past Maignan.
“One of the key factors that got us into the final was keeping possession of the ball,” Porro said.
“It’s a victory for an incredible team, a group of spectacular players – a victory for all 26 players.”
Mbappe acknowledged Spain had deserved their victory after exposing France’s shortcomings in midfield and possession.
“We did not produce the performance we wanted, tactically, technically or in terms of our overall level,” the France captain said.
“When you fail to do what you are supposed to do in a World Cup semi-final, you do not win.
“Spain stuck to their plan and to what they believe in. There was a lack of communication in our pressing… even when we won possession back, our first passes and first touches were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final.”
Spain celebrated beneath the closed roof at AT&T Stadium after securing a place in their first World Cup final in 16 years, moving within one victory of a second world title.
