Spain defeated France 2–0 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final in Dallas and reached the final, where it will meet England or Argentina. The match was notable for Spain’s collective pressing, possession control, and organised defence, which reduced France’s attacking threat despite France’s star players.
Spain took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the first half after a challenge by France left-back Lucas Digne on Spain winger Lamine Yamal. Spain doubled the lead in the second half when Pedro Porro finished a move involving Dani Olmo and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France struggled to respond even after substitutions, including the introduction of Desire Doue. Centre-back William Saliba left the pitch because of a recurrence of a lower-back injury, which further disrupted France’s shape.
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