ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — With Spain leading 1-0 over France at halftime Tuesday, Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal drew a foul on a headed play and Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. world cup Semi-finals.
France defender Lucas Digne was trying to collect the ball after an awkward bounce when Yamal lunged out from behind and challenged him into the penalty area, the day after his 19th birthday. Digne tried to clear the ball and Yamal kicked it.
Oyarzabal’s fifth goal at this year’s World Cup was the first time in seven games in this tournament that both teams were behind.
It was only the third goal conceded by France, who are number one in the FIFA rankings. Spain has approved only one.
The winner will face defending champions Argentina or England in Sunday’s final.
When trailing at half-time in a World Cup match, France has one draw and 11 losses.
Spain will play in its first semi-final since winning its only World Cup in 2010. France won the tournament in 2018 and is aiming to reach the final for the third consecutive year after losing to Argentina on penalties four years ago.
Spain also won a free kick from just outside the area in the 8th minute when Adrien Rabiot drew a yellow card for a foul on Dani Olmo. Alex Baena’s kick hit the French player’s wall.
Kylian Mbappé was included in the starting XI of the French national team after the match. The striker was sent off in the 77th minute. The team won against Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Mbappe scored his eighth goal against Morocco and advanced to the semi-finals, level with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot. Messi, 39, has scored a World Cup record 21 goals in his career, one more than Mbappe, 27.
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