Spain outclassed France 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday to book their place in the World Cup final, a composed performance that left Didier Deschamps’ tournament favourites humbled. The European champions will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s showpiece in New Jersey.
Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal was brought down by Lucas Digne. William Saliba was then substituted off injured before Pedro Porro doubled the lead with a slick one-touch move, slotting home past Mike Maignan. At 2-0 up, Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the game with patient possession, shutting out France’s vaunted attack.
“Spain defeat France 2-0 to reach World Cup final; boos for Jerry Jones mistaken for Gianni Infantino.”
“Today we played one of the best national teams in the world, but they came up against the best team in the world,” said de la Fuente. “These players deserve it all because they show day after day their commitment, their generosity, their talent.” A France substitute midfielder admitted: “In so many ways, France was missing everything today. We’ll be back in four years and we won’t make the same mistakes.”
Off the pitch, a moment of confusion unfolded when Fifa president Gianni Infantino appeared on the world feed during the second half. Boos rang around AT&T Stadium, but broadcasters from Fox and ITV confirmed the target was not Infantino but Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, shown on the stadium screen. Fans on social media mistakenly thought Infantino was being jeered; one wrote: “Bit of an ironic moment… the world feed showed Gianni Infantino just as Jerry Jones appeared on the stadium screen and was getting booed.”
Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet was also in attendance, seen chatting with David Beckham before meeting the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The result means Spain, champions of Europe, are one win away from adding a World Cup to their trophy cabinet — a feat they last achieved in 2010.
