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For just the second time in their country’s history, Spain is going to the World Cup Final thanks to a world-class showing in their 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals on Tuesday.
France was looking to get back to the World Cup Final for the third straight tournament, but Kylian Mbappé and company were unable to get through a complete effort on all fronts by Spain.
Just like they have throughout this tournament, Spain made their determination known from the very first whistle, and France felt that. However, France has been dominating in their own right up to this point in the tournament, and their superstars have shown an ability to take over the game.
But for the first time at the World Cup, France found themselves trailing after a costly error by veteran defender Lucas Digne.
After a Spain cross went through France’s box, Digne couldn’t read it properly and his header popped the ball in the air. Digne went to clear it with his foot, but the Spanish phenom Lamine Yamal came flying in to try to get in the way of the kick.
NORWAY JUST THREW THE GREATEST CELEBRATION EVER FOR A TEAM ELIMINATED IN THE WORLD CUP QUARTERFINALS
Instead, Digne kicked Yamal, and since he was in France’s box, the head referee sprinted to the center and pointed to the circle for a penalty shot.
It was Mikel Oyarzabal stepping up for the penalty, and with four World Cup goals, he made it a fifth. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan guessed the right way, jumping to his left, but Oyarzabal’s shot was too perfect, smashing into the side net.
So, in the 22nd minute, Spain struck first and had France in a situation they haven’t been in for quite some time. France was able to find some momentum and generate chances, but Spain’s keeper Unai Símon wasn’t threatened too much in the end.
When the second half began, France showcased some hustle from the jump, but Spain thwarted each attempt. Then, Pedro Porro’s run for Spain in the 58th minute changed everything.
Desire Doue, who had just came on as a substitute for France, didn’t follow Porro after he made a pass to Dani Almo. Almo was quick to drop it off to his teammate, who had only Maignan to beat, and he did just that for only his second career goal for his country.
With a 2-0 lead, things got more desperate for France in the second half. But once again, Spain dug deep, getting clearances and clean tackles as the clock ticked down.
Mbappé did get a free kick just before stoppage time kicked in, but his attempt cleared the crossbar on a grade-A chance.
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The result? A historic sixth shutout for Spain in a single World Cup tournament, and even better, a spot in the World Cup Final. Meanwhile, it’s been over 40 years since France has lost a knockout stage game in the World Cup.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup champion, now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
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