France 0-2 Spain: The reigning European champions booked their place in the World Cup finals with goals from Mikel Oyazarbal and Pedro Polo as they easily defeated the 2022 finalists who lost in Dallas.
Pedro Polo scored Spain’s second goal against France to advance to the World Cup finals (Image: Getty Images)
Spain booked their place in the World Cup finals, defeating hapless France in one of the most eye-catching performances of the tournament so far.
Mikel Oyazarbal scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal in the first half. The reigning European champions took control after the break as Pedro Polo refined his team’s finesse. Yamal thought he had scored a goal three minutes later, but was denied by an offside flag.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now turn their attention to the World Cup final in New York on Sunday when they face either Argentina or England. Meanwhile, France is considering a third-place match against the opponent they lost in the semi-finals, which will be Didier Deschamps’ final match as manager.
As expected, the first semi-final was a tense affair, with Kylian Mbappé’s only chance to stand out after a barnstorming run. However, the French striker was pushed out by the Spanish defense.
Spain then came back and had a great chance to take the lead midway through the first period when Yamal was brought down by Digne as he tried to clear the ball. Oyarzárvar’s stepping up was no surprise given his incredible performance with Spain, and he made no mistake, outscoring Mike Maignan for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Things then worsened for France with Arsenal’s William Saliba limping off after the half-hour mark. Spain should have taken the advantage with a great move, but Yamal’s cross was headed wide by Fabian Ruiz.
Mikel Oyazarbal scores the opening goal from the penalty spot against France (Image: Getty Images)
France coach Deschamps tried to regain control of his team by replacing Adrien Rabiot with Manu Cohn just before half-time, before Bradley Barcola was sent off for Desir Douet shortly after.
However, these changes appeared to backfire as Tottenham defender Polo played a deft one-two with Dani Olmo and finished past Megnan.
Yamal thought he had extended his lead further with a brilliant finish, but his joy was dampened by a narrow offside ruling. France barely got a response in the closing stages, coming closest to reducing the gap through Mbappé’s deflected shot. Doué had a late chance when Unai Simón ran wide of goal, but he fired towards the Spanish keeper. Given the pre-season tag of World Cup favorites, France will be very disappointed in the missed opportunity. However, the opponents will celebrate a stunning victory. And they now have the chance to host the World Cup and the Euros at the same time for the second time.
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