Spain secured a place in the FIFA World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in their semifinal clash on Tuesday night at Arlington, Texas.
The victory sends Spain to only its second World Cup final, having previously won the title in 2010.
Spain will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between defending champions Argentina and England in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 22nd minute, converting from the penalty spot after teenage winger Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the penalty area.
France defender Lucas Digne was adjudged to have brought down Yamal while attempting to clear the ball following an awkward bounce.
The goal, Oyarzabal’s fifth of the tournament, was the first time either Spain or France had fallen behind in seven matches at the competition.
Spain doubled its advantage in the 58th minute when defender Pedro Porro finished from close range, beating French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence despite enjoying spells of possession.
Earlier in the match, Spain won a free kick just outside the penalty area after Adrien Rabiot was booked for fouling Dani Olmo, but Alex Baena’s effort was blocked by the French wall.
France captain Kylian Mbappé started the match after recovering from the injury that forced him off late in his side’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco.
Mbappé, who entered the semifinal level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot, was unable to inspire a comeback.
The defeat ended France’s bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up to Argentina four years later.
Spain will now aim to win its second FIFA World Cup title when it takes on either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final.
