Spain have become the first team to reach the World Cup final – and they might have set up a Euro 2024 rematch with England who can join them on Wednesday
Spain have become the first team to book their spot in the World Cup final after they stunned France on Tuesday evening.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were the difference makers in Arlington, Texas, as the fancied French side struggled to get going against the resolute Spaniards. Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the spot, after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal.
And Porro doubled the lead in the second half, lifting the ball over Mike Maignan to drive a dagger into French hopes. The 2018 winners had looked the best team at the tournament, but they struggled to fashion a chance at AT&T Stadium.
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It was a performance typical of Spain this tournament – frustrating the opposition with their solid defence and hitting them on the break.
They could have had a third when Yamal whipped the ball into the far top corner after cutting inside into the penalty area, but VAR ruled the strike out after he had strayed into an offside position.
The French couldn’t even fashion a shot on target as Manchester City’s superstar Rodri ran the show from the base of the Spanish midfield.
Spain will now travel to MetLife Stadium on Sunday where they will face either England or Argentina – who clash on Wednesday evening.
A match with England would represent a rematch of the Euro 2024 final, where Spain ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a late strike from Oyarzabal.
The Three Lions, however, have to get the job done themselves first – in the first time they’re played Argentina since a friendly in 2005.
Spain’s journey to the final has seen them play: Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France.