For the second time in its history, Spain will play the World Cup final after beating France 2-0 with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, in a match with few scoring chances in which the Iberian team imposed its dominance. In the final, Spain will face on Sunday the winner of the match between Argentina and England on Wednesday.
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9) Reliable
Unai Simón
He measured a frantic Mbappé, corrected a mistake with a great run to stop Doué, and saved the only French shot on target from a lonely Dembélé
9) Eternal
Pedro Porro
On his great night he showed intensity, helped Cubarsí and Laporte cover Mbappé, personally took care of Digne, and scored the 0-2 before leaving exhausted but happy and with the MVP
8) Punisher
Cubarsí
He had to defend Mbappé. And he not only did it with the Frenchman, he also cut off Dembélé’s momentum. In his free time, he joined the attack in another masterful performance.
9) Wall
Laporte
Alert to every ball from Olise and, by extension, every sphere that hovered around the Spanish area, he is the hierarchy of Spain’s defense. He did not complicate the ball exit at all.
7) Impulsive
Cucurella
He saw a yellow card for bringing down Olise. But he did not back down and held his ground. He was alert to encourage the team and to steal a ball from Mbappé and leave Dembélé breathless.
9) Metronome
Rodri
From less to more in this World Cup, he put his soul and body (he took a hard tackle to the ankle) to stop Olise and corrected and distributed the team’s play. He is the anchor of the national team.
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7) Solid
Fabián Ruiz
Again a starter ahead of Pedri, he came close to the World Cup goal with an outside-foot shot after a brilliant one-two between Olmo and Lamine. He understood Rodri in defensive tasks
9) Clear-sighted
Dani Olmo
He is giving everything in the World Cup of his life. Clear-sighted like few, he gave a spectacular backheel pass to Lamine and executed a one-two with Pedro Porro to score the 0-2.
8) Generous
Lamine Yamal
He left fear in Rocafonda and goal anxiety on the bench. He provoked the penalty that Oyarzabal converted, gave a masterful pass to Fabián, and scored offside by a few centimeters.
6) Ascending
Álex Baena
He lost several balls and did not take advantage of the free kick he took from almost the edge of the area. But Koundé took his measure and he allied with Ferran Torres before giving way to Nico Williams.
9) Effective
Oyarzabal
After two games without scoring, the national team’s goal man exhausted himself in the pressure first and converted the 0-1 by executing a penalty perfectly and with the calm the situation required
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Also played
FERRAN TORRES
6 Energetic. Ran and pressed.
PEDRI
7 Involved. Maintained the necessary order despite being a substitute.
MERINO
6 Rewarded. Came on but his goal was no longer urgent.
LLORENTE
6 Testimonial. Came on for Pedro Porro due to his fatigue.
NICO WILLIAMS
6 Fast. Galloped and crashed into Maignan.
