Spain surprised the tournament favorites, France, with a 2-0 victory to advance to the World Cup final on Tuesday, executing a brilliant tactical performance that dashed Les Bleus' hopes of claiming the title for the third time.
Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty in the first half and a goal from Pedro Porro in the 58th minute secured a decisive win for the European champions at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup champions, will compete against either Argentina or England in the final on Sunday in New Jersey.
France came into the match as the strong favorites for the tournament, showcasing an impressive and high-scoring journey to the semi-finals.
However, France's celebrated attacking lineup, which included captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon D'Or recipient Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise, was effectively neutralized by Spain's blend of composure and strength.
Spain, having triumphed over France in their last two competitive encounters, promised to take an aggressive approach leading up to the match, and they delivered on that commitment.
The Spanish midfield showcased a dominant display, with Manchester City's Rodri at the helm, supported by Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, which prevented the French team from establishing any rhythm in the game.
Spain's midfield quickly outnumbered the French pair of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni, easily passing around them to establish control early in the match.
The initial signs of frustration from the French team appeared after just nine minutes when Rabiot received a yellow card for stepping on Olmo's foot near the penalty area.
Despite Spain's early control, France appeared more dangerous when advancing into the attacking third. A crucial late block by Pau Cubarsi in the 16th minute prevented Mbappe from breaking free as he sought to make a run.
Spain's early pressure paid off in the 20th minute when Marc Cucurella sent a promising cross into the penalty area. Lucas Digne couldn't connect properly on his header clearance, and in a moment of instinct, he kicked Yamal, causing the Barcelona player to fall to the ground. El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton promptly indicated a penalty. After a brief pause while French players hesitated, Oyarzabal approached and successfully converted the penalty, outpacing the dive of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France’s difficult beginning took a turn for the worse 31 minutes in, when key central defender William Saliba left the field with an injury and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Spain nearly increased their advantage in the 38th minute with a brilliant passing sequence. A skillful exchange near the edge of the penalty area broke through France’s defense, but Dayot Upamecano managed to block a shot from Fabian Ruiz.
France experienced their most promising moments just before halftime, and only the sharp reflexes of Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón kept Mbappé from scoring after Rabiot delivered a smart through ball.
However, at the beginning of the second half, Spain reemerged with renewed vigor, while Deschamps’ inability to adapt France’s strategy once more allowed the Spanish midfield to seize control.
Then, at the 58-minute mark, Spain delivered a decisive blow. Porro and Olmo executed a stunning one-two just outside the penalty area, allowing Porro to break free. The Tottenham defender then elegantly curled the ball into the net, sending it past Maignan.
In the 61st minute, Spain seemed poised to celebrate a third goal, but a razor-thin offside call erased Lamal's moment of glory as he found the back of the net.
Deschamps unleashed a cascade of substitutions, yet France found themselves stifled by Spain’s impenetrable defense. Their clearest opportunity slipped away when Mbappé's strike was thwarted at the near post by Simon.
As the clock ticked down, Mbappé embodied French frustration, receiving a yellow card for a late challenge on Simon as Spain secured their triumph.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday in Atlanta, England and Argentina are set to clash, adding another thrilling installment to one of football's most captivating rivalries.
The history of clashes between these nations is sprinkled with dramatic moments, framed by a persistent sovereignty conflict over the Falkland Islands, or Las Malvinas, as they are known in Spanish, nestled in the South Atlantic Ocean.
This matchup unfolds four decades after Diego Maradona’s legendary “Hand of God” goal propelled Argentina to a 2-1 victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
England’s captain, Harry Kane, who is vying for the Golden Boot alongside Messi and Mbappe, declared that his team would remain unfazed by the emotional weight surrounding this encounter.
According to Kane, "When you're in the game, it's us facing off against a formidable opponent - clever, strategic, and skilled at drawing fouls and controlling the pace. These are the kinds of challenges you encounter repeatedly throughout your career."