Spain’s Dominant Defense Secures Spot in World Cup Final

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Spain’s defense proved superior against a formidable French attack led by Kylian Mbappé, pushing the 2010 champions to another World Cup final. Spain achieved a record sixth shutout in seven games, winning 2-0 in the semifinals against one of the top scorers in World Cup history.

Teenager Lamine Yamal had hinted at France’s potential struggle against Spain. Despite facing FIFA’s top-ranked team led by Mbappé, who had 20 goals in as many World Cup games before the semifinals, and having Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, who led with five tournament assists, Spain managed to prevail.

“We were up against one of the best national teams in the world, but today, they were facing the best team in the world,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente commented.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after Yamal’s smart play resulted in a foul. Pedro Porro added another goal, securing Spain’s position in its second World Cup final. Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday, was denied a goal due to an offside call shortly after Porro’s goal in the 58th minute. Yamal’s clever play against a veteran defender contributed to Spain’s early lead.

Spain will compete against either defending champion Argentina or England on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“So difficult to get to this moment, but we want more,” Spain midfielder Rodri said. “We want to win this World Cup.”

France, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, will instead play in the third-place game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

“Spain has been able to defend well,” outgoing France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator. “They’ve closed out all the spaces and also we’ve made some technical mistakes. So it is difficult to create problems when the technical level is below standard.”

Argentina faces England on Wednesday in Atlanta in the other semifinal. This victory marked the third summer in succession where Spain defeated France in tournament semifinal matches. Yamal scored in a previous 2-1 win during the 2024 European Championship semifinals and Spain secured a 5-4 victory in last year’s Nations League.

Yamal emphasized that France had reasons to be concerned after Spain’s quarterfinal victory over Belgium.

Mbappé, who failed to get any of his three shots on target, remarked, “It’s a team who loves to have control of the game, control of the ball. That’s what we let them do. It’s difficult when you don’t change the play of Spain.”

Spain has outscored opponents 12-1 since drawing scorelessly against Cape Verde in their opening group play. Goalkeeper Unai Simón allowed only one goal during the quarterfinal against Belgium, ending a World Cup record of 650 scoreless minutes.

This World Cup run extends Spain’s unbeaten streak in regular time to 37 matches (28 wins and nine draws) since March 2024, breaking their previous record of 35 consecutive wins from 2007-09.

The loss ended France’s six consecutive World Cup wins, a feat previously achieved in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Oyarzabal’s penalty kick in the 22nd minute followed a foul drawn by Yamal, when he was kicked by defender Lucas Digne in the penalty area.

Oyarzabal’s goal marked a first for either team trailing in their seven games of this tournament. It was his 30th goal in 60 international games for Spain.

For the second goal, Porro broke free and received a pass from Olmo, who assisted just before being knocked down by defender Dayot Upamecano.

“We knew that we’re a very tough team, we’re doing things really well,” Porro said. France had allowed only two goals in its first six games of the tournament.

Spain also had two other scoring opportunities in the first half. A free kick from Alex Baena, following a yellow card to Adrien Rabiot for fouling Olmo in the eighth minute, went directly into the French wall.

Later, French goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s clearing attempt went straight to Baena, resulting in quick passes before Africa Fabian Ruiz’s shot was denied by an agile play from Upamecano.

Mbappé, tied with Argentine great Lionel Messi at eight tournament goals, leads the race for the Golden Boot due to assists. He still has the chance to add to his tally during the third-place match, while Messi also aims to enhance his goal tally during his sixth World Cup appearance.

“As the captain, I take full responsibility and I have no problem with that,” Mbappé stated. “We wanted to reach the final. We didn’t.”