Oyarzabal and Porro score as Spain defeat France 2-0 to book a place in the FIFA World Cup final

NEW YORK: Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since their historic 2010 triumph after defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro ending the title hopes of the pre-tournament favourites.

Spain made a confident start and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Oyarzabal converted a penalty after teenage star Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the penalty area.

The incident began when France defender Lucas Digne failed to deal with a bouncing ball, allowing Yamal, who had recently celebrated his 19th birthday, to reach it first. Digne’s challenge brought down the Spanish winger, prompting the referee to point to the spot without hesitation.

Oyarzabal made no mistake from 12 yards, calmly sending goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to hand Spain an early advantage.

France’s problems deepened before the break when central defender William Saliba was forced off through injury in the 30th minute. Maxence Lacroix replaced him, while head coach Didier Deschamps made another change at half-time by introducing Manu Koné for Adrien Rabiot, who had been booked early in the match.

Spain doubled their lead in the 58th minute through Porro following an excellent move with Dani Olmo. After exchanging passes with the midfielder, the full-back continued his run into the penalty area before finishing clinically beyond Maignan.

Yamal thought he had added a third moments later when he latched onto a through ball, cut inside Digne and fired into the bottom corner. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed he had strayed offside.

France struggled to create clear-cut opportunities throughout the match. Their best opening came when Kylian Mbappé unleashed a shot from the edge of the area that took a deflection before going behind for a corner, which Spain defended comfortably.

The French side threatened once more in the closing stages after goalkeeper Unai Simón raced from his line to clear the ball. The loose ball fell kindly for Désiré Doué, whose attempted lob appeared destined for the net before Simón recovered brilliantly to make a crucial save and preserve Spain’s clean sheet.

The victory sends Spain into their first World Cup final in 16 years as they bid to lift the trophy for a second time.

Spain will now face either England or Argentina in Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.