Spain just booked their ticket to the World Cup final, absolutely dismantling powerhouse France 2-0 in a semifinal that was supposed to be a tight 50-50 battle. The favorites from France, who won it all in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022, saw their hopes for a third straight final vanish in Arlington, Texas, as Spain simply dominated the match.
France Crumbles Under Spanish Pressure
From the jump, Spain looked like they wanted it more, and they were rewarded early. In the 20th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal buried a penalty after France's left back Lucas Digne was penalized for inadvertently kicking Lamine Yamal in the box. That early goal set the tone, and it was clear France was having a dismal first half, riddled with mistakes. Things went from bad to worse for coach Didier Deschamps, who is already set to step down after the tournament. Just ten minutes after Spain's opener, Arsenal center back William Saliba was forced off the field with a back injury. Talk about a gut punch when you're already struggling!Spain's Second Half Blow Seals It
France tried to claw their way back after the break, showing a brief flicker of life, but any momentum they started to build was quickly extinguished by Spain's second goal. That's the thing about a dominant performance: you don't give the opposition a chance to breathe. Spain's right back Pedro Porro linked up perfectly with midfielder Dani Olmo for a delightful one-two that put the game out of reach. It was a clinical finish to a brilliant display. Kylian Mbappé, who usually tears up the field, completely failed to make an impact, which tells you everything you need to know about how well Spain controlled this game. Now, Spain, already the new World Cup favorite, waits to see who they'll face in the final. It's either going to be England or Argentina, who play next. One thing's for sure: after this performance, Spain has sent a loud and clear message. The World Cup trophy is well within their grasp, and everyone in the league noticed.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.