Spain delivered a masterclass in collective football to defeat France in the World Cup semi-final, advancing to the final with a performance that emphasised teamwork over individual brilliance. The 2-1 victory in Arlington was built on a disciplined game plan that neutralised France's star-studded attack, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.
De la Fuente's Pre-Match Message
Before the match, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente gathered his squad and delivered a message that encapsulated their approach. “We’re facing one of the best lineups in the world, but we’re the best team in the world,” he told them. This sentiment, which he had been reinforcing for 50 days, crystallised in the dressing room. After the match, Marc Cucurella summed up the performance with a phrase: “What a f***ing recital!”
The victory continued Spain's recent dominance over France, having also beaten them in the Euro 2024 semi-final and the 2025 Nations League semi-final. This time, however, the margin of control was unprecedented. According to statistics, no semi-finalist had been reduced to so little since Sweden eight World Cups ago.
Statistical Dominance
France managed only 0.31 expected goals (xG), their lowest ever, compared to Spain's 1.7. They failed to register a shot on target until the final quarter of the game. Rodri, described by De la Fuente as “made for our model,” won more duels than all of France's players combined and completed more passes than anyone else on the pitch. “The team is euphoric,” Rodri said after the match.
De la Fuente dismissed suggestions that celebrations should be restrained until a trophy is won. “No, no, I’m not into these ‘literary’ or ‘journalistic’ phrases. I’m made of different stuff. What we have done is very hard, why would we not be happy? I value the journey, what we have done. Only one team can win the World Cup and whatever happens this is a success.”
Collective Over Individual
While much of the pre-match focus was on the duel between Lamine Yamal and Mbappé, Spain's strength lay in their collective organisation. Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 recently, won his individual battle (now 9-2 in their encounters), but his performance was part of a broader tactical plan. De la Fuente and Rodri had urged him to remain calm and avoid anxiety, which translated into a disciplined display where he rarely lost the ball.
Spain's defensive solidity was evident throughout. Goalkeeper Unai Simón repeatedly came out to meet Mbappé, while centre-backs Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte formed a formidable barrier. Cucurella contributed two assists, and Pedro Porro scored two goals, matching the number of goals Spain have conceded in the tournament. Porro's goal, which capped an outstanding team move starting deep in Spain's half, exemplified their fluidity.
Long-Term Continuity
The victory was the culmination of a long-term project. De la Fuente embraced players he had coached since winning the 2015 Under-19 European Championship, reflecting the deep bonds within the squad. “We started four years ago and we have been faithful to an idea, which is what brought us here,” he said. Mikel Oyarzabal, who has five goals in the tournament—the most by any Spaniard in a World Cup—explained his role: “Centre-backs don’t like having to come to there. Sometimes my job is to not get in the way.”
Spain's journey from a slow start to reaching the final was deliberate. “It was planned to be in our best shape at the most important moment,” De la Fuente noted. The team's ability to adapt, shifting from the flying wingers of two years ago back to control, demonstrated their tactical flexibility. As Rodri put it, “It will be the game of our lives,” but Spain had already played it, and it was a picture of who they are: a team that values the collective above all.
