Spain went into the break leading France 1-0 in the first World Cup semi-final at AT&T Stadium on 15 July, with Mikel Oyarzabal converting a first-half penalty in a half that saw France grow increasingly rattled.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute after France left-back Lucas Digne headed a routine clearance straight up into the air rather than away from danger, then lost his bearings as Lamine Yamal closed in. As Digne swivelled to volley the ball clear, he caught the Spain winger on the leg, leaving referee Ivan Barton with a straightforward decision. Oyarzabal, who had scored five of his previous five penalties for Spain, made no mistake, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way to notch his fifth goal of the tournament and equal the record for most goals by a Spaniard at a single World Cup finals.
The setback marked the first time France had trailed at any point in the competition, and their afternoon deteriorated further when centre-back William Saliba went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Maxence Lacroix midway through the half, a blow that could also have implications for Sunday’s final regardless of the outcome in Texas.
France’s frustration boiled over as several decisions went against them. Adrien Rabiot picked up an early booking and was fortunate to avoid a second following a heavy challenge, while a free kick awarded for a foul on Ousmane Dembele was overturned after a VAR review concluded the winger had gone down easily. Marc Cucurella was also shown yellow for Spain after a physical exchange with Michael Olise.
Despite the setbacks, France created the better individual moments in transition, with slick combination play between Dembele and Kylian Mbappe threatening on the counter-attack, only for goalkeeper Unai Simon to intervene decisively on one occasion to deny Mbappe a clear run at goal. Spain, in control for long periods, also came close to doubling their advantage through a swift passing move involving Dani Olmo and Yamal that narrowly failed to produce a second goal.
The winners of the semi-final will face either England or defending champions Argentina in Monday’s final, with Spain currently well placed to book their spot after a first half in which France rarely settled into their usual rhythm.
