Spain outclass France with masterful display to reach World Cup final

Spain secured their place in the World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France in Tuesday's semi-final. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal (penalty) and Pedro Porro, both in the first hour, were enough to silence a French side that had been widely praised for its attacking talent.

The result left observers stunned at how easily Spain dismantled France. Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said Spain "scalped" and "flattened" France, while Roy Keane noted that France "were not playing as a team" despite having brilliant individuals. Spain's performance was described as a "masterclass in control" and a "joy to watch".

Spain's journey to the final has not been straightforward. They opened the tournament with a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, needed a 91st-minute winner to beat Portugal in the last 16, and an 88th-minute goal to edge past Belgium in the quarter-finals. However, they have now kept clean sheets in six of their seven matches and are unbeaten in a record-equalling 37 games.

Coach Luis de la Fuente, appointed in December 2022 amid scepticism, has led Spain to a Nations League title, the European Championship, and now a World Cup final. He said his team deserved their place through "effort, talent, sacrifice" and that they had "recaptured the spirit of 2010".

Tactically, Spain imposed their midfield trio of Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Dani Olmo against France's two-man midfield. Olmo, playing as a roaming No.10, created overloads that France could not handle. For the second goal, Olmo provided the assist, and full-back Porro's run into the box was not tracked by France's Désiré Doue.

France, who had only three shots on target, will now play in the third-place match. Spain await the winner of Wednesday's other semi-final between Argentina and England. If England win, it will set up a repeat of the Euro 2024 final.