Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Spain stormed into the FIFA World Cup final for the first time in 16 years after defeating France 2-0 in the first semifinal at Dallas Stadium. The victory sends Spain to its second World Cup final since lifting its maiden title in 2010.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 22nd minute by calmly converting a penalty after France defender Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. The goal was Oyarzabal's fifth of the tournament.
France pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Spain doubled its advantage in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro finished off a brilliant assist from Dani Olmo to make it 2-0.
Spain controlled possession for the remainder of the match and denied France any clear scoring opportunities to comfortably secure its place in the final.
The result ends France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final after appearances in 2018 and 2022. Spain, meanwhile, will now play in its first World Cup final since defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in 2010 to claim its only world title.
