Spain delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the final, dismantling France 2-0 in a semi-final that exposed the gulf between the two sides.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed Spain’s passage to the final in New Jersey, as Didier Deschamps’ highly-touted France squad offered little resistance and saw their dreams shattered.
The turning point arrived midway through the first half, when a moment of disastrous defending from Lucas Digne handed Spain a penalty. Digne, under pressure from Lamine Yamal, misjudged a cross and, in a tangle, brought Yamal down in the box. Despite a brief check for possible handball by Yamal, referee Iván Barton’s decision stood. Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot, driving the ball past Mike Maignan to put Spain ahead and silence the French contingent.
France’s troubles deepened minutes later as William Saliba was forced off through injury, replaced by Maxence Lacroix, further destabilising an already rattled backline. Spain’s relentless control denied France any foothold, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé struggling to make any impact against a Spanish defence that repeatedly closed down space and snuffed out danger.
The second half brought no respite for Deschamps’ men. Despite a substitution that saw Manu Koné come on for the card-threatened Adrien Rabiot, France could not establish any rhythm. Spain’s authority was underlined when Oyarzabal narrowly missed another chance before the hour mark, and the contest was effectively settled by Pedro Porro’s superbly worked second goal. Dani Olmo, after tumbling in the build-up, managed to return a pass to Porro, who found a gap on France’s left side and finished clinically to double Spain’s lead.
France’s response was muted at best. Dembélé squandered possession, and when Mbappé finally threatened in the 64th minute, Unai Simón was equal to his cross-shot. Moments later, Marc Cucurella deflected a Mbappé effort just wide, but France never looked likely to mount a comeback. Even a narrow offside decision denied Lamine Yamal a third for Spain, underscoring the Spanish dominance.
As the final whistle drew near, Spain continued to threaten, with Ferran Torres nearly adding a third. Maignan was left exposed time and again, while France’s attack remained toothless and disconnected. Spain’s assured display leaves no doubt: they will head to New Jersey brimming with confidence, having dispatched a French side that were simply unable to cope with their intensity and precision.