Spain's anaconda grip crushes French World Cup dream
Spain suffocated France deep in the heart of Texas on Tuesday to advance to their first World Cup final since 2010 with an utterly dominant 2-0 victory.
The Spaniards wrapped themselves around France like an anaconda from the opening whistle, tightening their tactical grip with relentless pressing and possession play. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a clinically taken penalty, which was awarded after Lamine Yamal was caught by Lucas Digne's follow-through.
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Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage just before the hour mark, calmly playing a one-two with Dani Olmo before side-footing home past Mike Maignan. The dominant European champions completely monopolized possession and controlled the overall tempo, leaving France's highly feared attacking force chasing shadows.
France's star-studded forwards were entirely snuffed out, as Les Bleus were reduced to spectators and managed only two shots on target. Marc Cucurella put on a defensive masterclass to completely smother Michael Olise, who lost possession 20 times and failed to complete a single dribble.
The devastating defeat leaves France to contemplate the bleak consolation of a third-place playoff as their Bastille Day hopes were thoroughly extinguished. French head coach Didier Deschamps and captain Kylian Mbappe conceded that technically, they were second best, pointing out a lack of energy, communication, and precision.
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Spain stands just one victory away from securing a historic World Cup-European Championship double, awaiting the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between England and Argentina.
