Arlington: Spain defeated 2022 runners-up France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night to reach the final for the first time in 16 years and only the second time in their history. Spain will now face either Argentina or England in the title clash. Argentina and England will meet in the second semi-final after midnight today. France will now have an opportunity to finish as the tournament’s third-best team.
Spain became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition of the tournament, preventing opponents from scoring in six matches. Spain’s World Cup campaign so far has been: a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, a 3-0 win over Austria, a 1-0 victory over Portugal, a 2-1 win over Belgium and a 2-0 victory over France.
Spain Can Achieve Another Historic Milestone
Spain have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and are now just one victory away from becoming FIFA World Cup champions again for the first time since 2010. If Spain lift the trophy, they will become only the third nation to win the World Cup immediately after winning the UEFA European Championship, following West Germany (1972-74) and Spain (2008-10).
Who Scored Spain’s Two Goals?
Amid controversy over several refereeing decisions, Spain defeated France 2-0. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute by converting a penalty awarded after a foul on Lamine Yamal. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the 58th minute after breaking through the French defence following a brilliant flick from Dani Olmo.
Spain dominated the match from start to finish. Tournament favourites France failed to deliver their best performance in the semi-final. The French attack lacked its usual sharpness, while Spain repeatedly broke through their defence. In particular, Kylian Mbappe struggled to make an impact against Spain’s disciplined and aggressive side.
Spain’s Other Major Achievements
(1) Spain have now gone unbeaten in 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup knockout matches since 2006.
(2) Across all competitions, Spain are now unbeaten in their last 37 consecutive matches.
(3) Spain have won four of their last five FIFA World Cup knockout matches against France.
(4) Spain ended France’s streak of scoring in 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup matches with Tuesday’s 2-0 victory.
(5) Spain also snapped France’s run of six consecutive FIFA World Cup victories.
(6) France missed the chance to emulate West Germany and Brazil by reaching back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals.
(7) France’s 2-0 defeat was their heaviest loss in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since losing to West Germany in 1986.
(8) Spain have become the highest-scoring nation from penalty kicks in FIFA World Cup history, with 17 penalty goals.
ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: England Bowled Out for 258 in First ODI as Axar Patel Claims Four Wickets
-
-
-
-
