European champions silence Kylian Mbappe and Les Bleus to book a showdown with either Argentina or England in New Jersey.
Spain produced a tactical masterclass on Tuesday to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
First-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, sealed a commanding victory for the 2010 world champions, who will face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.
France entered the semi-final as favourites after an impressive run through the tournament, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise. However, Luis de la Fuente’s side nullified the French attack with disciplined defending and midfield dominance.
Spain controlled possession from the outset, with Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo dictating the tempo and overwhelming France’s midfield pairing of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Lucas Digne. France suffered another setback when defender William Saliba limped off injured shortly after the half-hour mark.
Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the 58th minute following an excellent one-two with Dani Olmo before calmly finishing past Mike Maignan.
France struggled to respond despite several substitutions from coach Didier Deschamps, with goalkeeper Unai Simon producing key saves to deny Mbappe and preserve Spain’s clean sheet.
The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010 and keeps alive their hopes of becoming world champions for a second time.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will see England face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, renewing one of international football’s fiercest rivalries for a place in the final.