Spain flatten France as England, France paths diverge
Spain produced a 2-0 masterclass to eliminate favoured France and reach a second World Cup final, flipping the tournament script for both england france storylines. England now meet Argentina for the right to face La Roja on Sunday, while France must reset for the third-place match after a listless semi-final display in Dallas.
Key Takeaways
- Spain beat overwhelming favourites France 2-0 in Dallas to reach only their second World Cup final.
- Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty and Pedro Porro's finish put La Roja 2-0 up inside an hour.
- Spain await the winner of England versus Argentina on Sunday after a midfield masterclass.
- Lamine Yamal posted that New York is next after sparking the opening goal.
- France managed just three attempts on target and head to the third-place play-off.
How did Spain flatten France in Dallas?
According to BBC Sport, Luis de la Fuente's side produced an absolute masterclass in control at Dallas Stadium. France arrived as overwhelming favourites, stacked with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Spain still ran out convincing 2-0 winners.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was fouled, and Pedro Porro added a wonderful finish. Those were Spain's only two attempts on target, yet France were held to just three on target themselves. Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Spain "scalped" and "flattened" France after outfighting and outplaying them.
Tactically, Spain imposed a Fabian Ruiz-Rodri-Dani Olmo midfield trio against France's midfield two, using possession, counter-pressing and short combinations. Dani Olmo assisted Porro's goal as Spain overloaded France's full-backs. The European champions extended a record-equalling 37-match unbeaten run and kept a sixth clean sheet at this World Cup.
What does the result mean for England and France?
Spain will face either Argentina or England in Sunday's final, with England's semi-final against Argentina the remaining barrier. De la Fuente said he likes England and had tipped them among the favourites before the tournament. An England win in Atlanta would set up a rematch of the Euro 2024 final.
France must prepare for the third-place play-off after a listless semi-final, per the Guardian's framing of a side stunned by silky Spain. For fans tracking england france fortunes in the same bracket week, the contrast is stark: England still chase a final, France scramble for bronze. Coverage across sport and Future Tech & AI Wonders continues to follow how data, form and youth stars reshape modern tournament narratives.
Why is Yamal already talking about New York?
Yamal, a day after turning 19 in matchweek reporting, helped create the penalty and later sent a final warning on Instagram: "Nuevayol [New York] we're coming for you," referencing Bad Bunny's song, ESPN reported. Teammate Dani Olmo said the journey from Atlanta to New York "was written" and urged Spain to finish the job.
Spain last reached a World Cup final in 2010. With six clean sheets in seven games and peak timing after a stuttering start that included a draw with Cape Verde, they now look favourite for MetLife Stadium on Sunday. France's attacking force never found rhythm; Spain's collective structure did.