Spain reaches football World Cup final after 16 years

Spain has advanced to the football World Cup final after defeating France 2-0.

Spain has reached the football World Cup final after 16 years. The team secured a place in the final for the second time by defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final. At the Dallas Stadium, Mikel Oyarzabal scored the first goal from a penalty in the 22nd minute. Subsequently, in the 58th minute, Pedro Porro scored to seal Spain's victory.

Spain will play the final for the first time since 2010. Back then, the team won its only World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final. Meanwhile, France missed reaching the World Cup final for the third consecutive time after 2018 and 2022.

Spain was awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute. France's defender Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box, leading the referee to award a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal sent the ball into the right corner of the goalpost, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. This was Oyarzabal's fifth goal in the tournament.

In the second half, France continued to try for an equaliser, but in the 58th minute, Pedro Porro scored from a brilliant pass by Dani Olmo, increasing Spain's lead to 2-0. After this, Spain maintained control of the ball and did not give France any major opportunities.

Kylian Mbappe, who was in excellent form throughout the tournament, could not make an impact against Spain's strong defence in this match. He was caught offside several times and received a yellow card in the second half.

France missed the chance to play in the World Cup final for the third consecutive time after 2018 and 2022.