Spain's defensive prowess on display against France

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It was billed as a meeting between the World Cup's most potent attack and the tournament's most resilient defence.

By the final whistle, there was little doubt which side had come out on top.

Author | Jack L

France have lit up the competition with their attacking flair, while Spain have attracted less attention, their patient control perhaps proving less eye-catching. Any lingering doubts about their credentials, however, should now have been firmly put to rest.

Spain's Euro 2024 triumph was built around the exhilarating wing play of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

Injuries have restricted both players' influence during this tournament, with just one goal between them, although Yamal's impact has steadily increased as the competition has gone on.

Now Spain are into only their second World Cup final and have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the celebrated 2010 side that lifted the trophy in South Africa.

Against France, Rodri produced a commanding display in midfield. He broke up attack after attack before setting Spain on the front foot, controlling the tempo and, after a lengthy spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, looking close to the level that earned him the Ballon d'Or in 2024.

Fabián Ruiz complemented him superbly, justifying his selection ahead of Barcelona playmaker Pedri, while Spain's defence once again underlined its quality.

World Cup 2026 | France 0 - 2 Spain Spain outclass France to book place in World Cup final supernewsaffiliate.blogspot.com/2026/07/worl...

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— Super News Affiliate (@sup3rnew5affiliate.bsky.social) 15 July 2026 at 17:08

It reflected not only the excellence of the back four and goalkeeper but also the organisation of the entire side under Luis de la Fuente that France did not register their first shot on target until the 81st minute.

Tournament football is often said to be about finding form at the right moment. Having comfortably swept aside a much-fancied France, Spain appear to be doing exactly that.

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