World Cup – Oyarzabal's goal sees Spain defeat France 2-0 to advance to the final

The 2026 World Cup semi-final saw Spain defeat France 2-0 thanks to goals from Oyarzabal and Pedro Polo.

Six minutes into the match, France attacked from a corner kick, with Rabiot's long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area going wide. In the 9th minute, Rabiot fouled Spanish midfielder Olmo, and the referee showed Rabiot a yellow card and awarded Spain a free kick. Baena then took the free kick, but his shot was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 15th minute, Rodri was brought down by Olise, but the referee only called a foul. In the 20th minute, Cucurella passed the ball to Yamal, who was fouled by Digne as he received the ball, resulting in a penalty for Spain. Oyarzabal then converted the penalty, giving Spain a 1-0 lead.

In the 30th minute, Saliba suffered an injury and was subsequently replaced by Lacroix. In the 34th minute, Spain launched an attack, with Olmo receiving a pass from Fabian Ruiz and unleashing a long-range shot, but the ball went wide. In the 36th minute, Barcora received a through pass from Dembele and fired a long-range shot, but the ball went high.

In the 38th minute, Yamal passed the ball to Fabian Ruiz, who took a shot, but it was cleared by an opposing player. In first-half stoppage time, France attempted a counter-attack; Dembele received a pass from Olise and entered the penalty area, but his shot went wide.

At the start of the second half, France substituted Manu Koné for Rabiot. In the 51st minute, Pedro Porro passed the ball diagonally, and Yamal received it before entering the penalty area and shooting, but his shot was blocked. Shortly after, Baena passed the ball to Oyarzabal, who received it and took a long-range shot, but the ball went over the post.

In the 58th minute, Olmo dealt with the defense and made a diagonal pass, which Pedro Polo seized the opportunity to slot home, giving Spain a 2-0 lead over France. In the 61st minute, Yamal received a through pass from his teammate, broke into the penalty area, and curled a shot into the net, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

In the 67th minute, Dué received a pass from Olise near the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but it was blocked by an opposing player. In the 72nd minute, France substituted Theo and Laryan Sergi for Digne and Olise. In the 81st minute, Laryan Sergi chipped the ball to Dué, who received it and shot, but it was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.

In the 89th minute, France won a free kick. Mbappe took the shot directly, but the ball went over the goal. In stoppage time of the second half, Due passed the ball to Dembele, who then shot, but the ball was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Ultimately, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final.

Image source: Internet