It was an enthralling evening in Dallas as Spain produced a masterclass display to down France 2-1 in the World Cup semi-finals. The reigning European champions' meticulous game plan proved too much for their opponents, showcasing the devastating efficiency that has seen them top Group B and now book their place in the final.
For years, critics have labelled Spain's approach as boring – a byword for tedium. But make no mistake, this was anything but dull. Rodri, the maestro of midfield, ran the show from start to finish, his influence on the game every bit as crucial as his impressive stats would suggest. His return to full fitness has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering he had to overcome an anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2025-26.
Questions were raised about Spain's ability to find the net at crucial times, particularly with Álvaro Morata missing from the squad and young guns Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal returning from injuries. But when it mattered most, Spain delivered – and none more so than in that pivotal moment when Yamal's intelligent movement created a chance for Lucas Digne to clear, only for him to concede a penalty. The 0.78xG opportunity sparked a turning point in the match, with Spain taking control from there.
Fabián Ruiz has been a revelation as Rodri's double-pivot partner, adeptly distributing passes and carving out attacking lanes with precision. Meanwhile, Unai Simón continued to defy expectations by patrolling the high defensive line, often venturing forward to win the ball back. It was a testament to Spain's commitment to their team plan – that in the end, it is not just about individual brilliance, but also collective effort.