Spain Keeps a Clean Sheet Against France, Moves on to 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
For the second time in their history, and the first since they won it all in 2010, Spain is moving on to the World Cup Final. The Spanish did so in shutout fashion, keeping France out of the goal for the first time this tournament. Young superstar Lamine Yamal led the way for the first goal of the game when he drew a penalty. The yellow card gave Mikel Oyarzabal a penalty kick, and he absolutely crushed it for the 1-0 lead. Spain’s defense was even better, limiting Kylian Mbappe like no other team has been able to do in high-pressure games for years. After halftime, Pedro Porro skated by defenders on a pass from Dani Olmo and made a great move for the second goal of the game. Head coach Luis de la Fuente and his squad will have to wait until tomorrow night to figure out who they’ll be facing, and until Sunday for the final, but for now, here are a few takeaways from this work of art performance by Spain.
Lamine Yamal Has Officially Achieved Global Superstar Status
If he wasn’t already, Yamal is now on the same stage of global stardom as his competitor Mbappe and other young Europeans such as Erling Haaland or Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old already has the 2024 UEFA European Championship under his belt, and he now has the chance to lead his nation to its second-ever World Cup crown. ‘The Devil of Rocafonda’ already made history, becoming the second-youngest World Cup goalscorer in Spain’s history in one of the tournament's most unforgettable moments, and the penalty he drew early on in this one set the table for the entirety of the match. Should ‘La Roja’ win on Sunday, and should Yamal play an even bigger role, then look out for his name to be up there with the celebrities of the game.
Spain’s Defense Is Unbelievable and May Be Unbeatable
This summer, they’ve played Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kevin de Bruyne-and the Spanish have allowed one goal. Pitching a World Cup record six shutouts, Spain has been a better team, due to their defensive prowess, every time they take the pitch, no matter who is on the other side of the ball. That’s absolutely lethal, and considering that they’ll be awaiting either Lionel Messi or the combo of Bellingham and Harry Kane, Spain sticks out as a team one can count on as being fearless. With Lamal and Porro hawking the ball when it’s their possession, ‘La Roja’ is ready to run the gauntlet against either of two football greats.
