Spain dominates France in shutout win to reach first World Cup final since 2010

ARLINGTON, TX — For months, the soccer world circled this semifinal as the most anticipated matchup of the entire World Cup.Instead, it was absolute domination.In front of more than 70,176 roaring fans at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, Spain suffocated France from the opening whistle and marched into the World Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory that felt even more lopsided than the scoreline suggested.Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro each scored for Spain, which reached the final for the first time since 2010.France entered the match as a slight favorite thanks to its attacking trio of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.But the three forwards failed to live up to the billing.

Spain’s defense and midfield proved to be too much to overcome.Instead of the heavyweight fight we all thought it was going to be, it was a one-sided affair dominated by Spain for the third consecutive time over its rivals.The reigning European champions didn’t just beat France.They reminded the world why they have become international football’s gold standard.Spain extended its unbeaten run to 37 consecutive matches, tying Italy for the longest streak in international football history.

Even more remarkable, Luis de la Fuente’s side has conceded just one goal through seven matches at this World Cup, recording an unprecedented sixth clean sheet of the tournament....