France vs Spain

Spain produced a defensive masterclass to defeat France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, reaching the World Cup final for the first time since their title-winning campaign in 2010 — and in doing so, ending the most anticipated fixture of the tournament in utterly convincing fashion. France entered the semi-final as tournament favourites, the most feared attack remaining, with Kylian Mbappé as the competition's joint-leading scorer. They left restricted to just 0.26 expected goals from 10 shots, with Mbappé picking up a yellow card for frustration after a foul on goalkeeper Unai Simón — one of the most striking images of the tournament so far. Spain's first goal came from a moment of Lamine Yamal brilliance. The 19-year-old — who celebrated his birthday on the eve of the match — drifted inside, drew the foul from Lucas Digne, and stood over the referee's spot-kick decision with trademark calm. Mikel Oyarzabal buried the penalty in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead they deserved. France threw everything at Spain in the second half but could find no way through a defence that has now conceded just one goal across seven matches at this tournament. Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a precise side-foot finish from a give-and-go combination with Dani Olmo that cut through the French defence with ruthless simplicity. Didier Deschamps, in charge of France for 14 years, was close to tears on the touchline as his side were eliminated — ending his dream of a third World Cup as France manager and preventing the country from reaching a third consecutive World Cup final. Spain advance to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they will face either England or Argentina — both of whom have already beaten Spain at major tournaments in recent years. La Roja do not fear the precedent.