The fireworks had barely fizzled out in Arlington when Spain's squad ignited their own pyre of passion, storming to a thumping semi-final victory over France. Coach Luis de la Fuente's rallying cry was music to their ears: "We're facing one of the best lineups in the world, but we're the best team in the world." The message resonated deeply with his players, who delivered a masterclass performance that left even the most seasoned observers gobsmacked.
The match was a one-way street, with Spain dictating play from start to finish. They suffocated France's feared front line – featuring superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé – rendering them almost invisible. Marc Cucurella was over the moon after the final whistle, exclaiming, "What a bloody recital!" as he celebrated an evening that will be etched in the memories of every Spanish fan forever. Even King Felipe couldn't resist getting in touch with De la Fuente to congratulate him on his team's showstopping display.
This triumph is yet another chapter in Spain's remarkable history against France, a nation they've now knocked out of three consecutive major tournaments: the 2024 Euros and the 2025 Nations League. This World Cup semi-final was a one-sided affair, with statistics revealing France's lowest ever expected goals (xG) at 0.31 – a far cry from their average of 2.4 per game. It wasn't until the final quarter that they mustered up a shot on target.
Rodri summed up the mood among his teammates: "The team is euphoric." De la Fuente, ever the pragmatist, defended the decision to celebrate their semi-final win, despite some tradition dictating restraint. He pointed out that this achievement is no easy feat and deserves recognition, stating, "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."
While individual talents like Lamine Yamal's impressive showing against Mbappé were notable, the overriding theme was Spain's unbreakable collective spirit. This World Cup has been a showcase for some of the game's biggest stars – Messi, Haaland, Kane, and Bellingham among them – but none have shone brighter than this Spanish side, whose teamwork and strategic control proved that even the most talented individuals can be outdone by a cohesive unit working in perfect harmony.