MANILA — Spain toppled tournament favorite and world No. 1 France, 2-0, on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) to secure its first FIFA World Cup final appearance in 16 years and move within one win of capturing a second world title.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored a goal each as La Roja produced a composed and clinical performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, extending its recent dominance over Les Bleus in major international competitions.
Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after calmly converting a penalty awarded when teenage star Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box by France defender Lucas Digne following a loose touch.
Spain doubled its advantage in the 58th minute as Porro capped a flowing attacking move orchestrated by Dani Olmo. Yamal thought he had put the match beyond doubt minutes later, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
The victory marked another significant triumph for Spain over France after eliminating Les Bleus in the semifinals of the 2024 UEFA European Championship and defeating them again in last year’s UEFA Nations League.
France, led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, came into the semifinal seeking to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals. Instead, the French side saw its championship bid come to an end and will now compete in Sunday’s third-place playoff in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Oyarzabal’s penalty was his fifth goal of the tournament and the 30th of his international career in 60 appearances for Spain. It also marked the first time either Spain or France had trailed in this year’s World Cup.
Spain will face the winner of the other semifinal between defending champion Argentina and England in Monday’s FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with La Roja aiming to lift its second World Cup crown./PN
