Spain secured their place in the World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France, showcasing a masterclass in control that stunned observers.
France, who entered the semi-final as favorites with a formidable attacking lineup including Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, were unable to penetrate Spain's defense. The Spanish team, European champions and holders of a record-equalling 37-match unbeaten streak, limited France to just three shots on target.
Despite flying somewhat under the radar during the tournament, with a draw against debutants Cape Verde in their opening match and only one goal from teenage star Lamine Yamal, Spain appears to have found peak form. They have maintained a clean sheet in six of their seven games, positioning them as favorites for the upcoming final. They will face the winner of the match between Argentina and England.
France must now prepare for the third-place play-off after being outmaneuvered and outplayed by a cohesive Spanish unit. Former Premier League champion Chris Sutton, present at the match, described Spain as having "outfought and outplayed this French team." Another pundit, Roy Keane, noted that "France were not playing as a team. Brilliant individuals not playing as a team," while praising Spain as "absolutely brilliant - an absolute joy to watch."
Since his appointment in December 2022, coach Luis de la Fuente has faced skepticism, with some questioning his credentials compared to previous high-profile Spanish managers. However, his tenure has now yielded significant success, including a Nations League triumph in 2023, Euro 2024 glory, and now a World Cup final appearance, silencing his doubters.