France v Spain semi-final players, teams, games, fixtures, results

A phenomenal performance by Spain. Not in the sense that they’ve been playing eye-catching football – although there’s been passages of that – but they’ve stopped France, an exceptional team, from doing anything at all.

Just three shots on target for Les Bleus, one of them coming in stoppage time via Dembele when all hope was already lost. An expected goals figure of just 0.26 for this imperious French attack, led by Kylian Mbappe, one of the greatest World Cup players of all time but anonymous and invisible today. Olise, Doue, Cherki: also nothing. A very poor performance by France, but a display of total and utter control by Spain, who reach just their second World Cup final. They’ll take some beating.

Dembele, who has been quiet this outing, stings Simon’s gloves. That’s all there is to say, really, about the end.

The 2010 World Cup champions and four-time European champions will play either England or Argentina in the 2026 final.

The handshakes on Spain’s bench start before the result is confirmed, and they race onto the pitch once it is.

Taking a walk in the park. Passing with just enough to keep the ball moving but also wind down the clock. They are minutes away from a second World Cup final. The job is done, just got to keep the wheels turning until the whistle blows.

France 0-2 Spain, 90+4 minutes

He dashes in to challenge Simon and force him to play the ball more quickly, and manages to foul him in the process. The yellow card of irritation.

Two more changes for Spain as Llorente and Williams replace Baena and Porro.

France 0-2 Spain, 86 minutes

Usain Bolt would have been proud that. Spain’s keeper has been decisive but no more so than now, as he sprints out of his box and keeps going to thwart a France attack. He clears but not convincingly at first, and has to scramble to get back into his box as Doue approaches for a shot.

A minute later he’s at it again, coming out to stop Hernandez and getting smacked in the face.

France 0-2 Spain, 84 minutes

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