Spain reaches World Cup final after controlled victory over France
Spain's 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas, has sparked widespread celebrations in Madrid, underscoring the cultural and local economic impact of the team's deep tournament run.
Spain has advanced to the World Cup final after a 2-0 victory over France in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a first-half penalty, won by forward Lamine Yamal, before Pedro Porro added a second goal to secure the win for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
The result sets up Sunday’s final in New Jersey. Pundits had heavily favored France, citing an attack featuring Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembele. However, Spain delivered a controlled performance to neutralize the threat.
In Madrid, the victory triggered immediate public celebrations. Thousands of revellers streamed out of the official fan zone in Colon Square, many draped in the Spanish flag or with face paint. Those turned away from the main screen occupied bus lanes, sat on grass, or crowded into overflowing bars and restaurants to follow the match.
The scenes of supporters crowding around overflowing bars and restaurants illustrate the immediate surge in local hospitality activity during deep tournament runs. These spontaneous gatherings in central Madrid highlight how major sporting success directly channels public engagement into the local service sector.
Public confidence in the team was evident among supporters. Nineteen-year-old student Jaime Sánchez expressed pride in the team’s ability to defy expectations, noting that people initially did not give Spain a chance.
This optimism is rooted in recent history. Spain previously eliminated France from Euro 2024 en route to the title and defeated them in last year’s Nations League semi-finals. Seventeen-year-old Erika Barea admitted the French attack was intimidating but relied on this superior recent record for reassurance.
The collective strength of the squad remains a central talking point. Nineteen-year-old music student Jaime López noted that while Spain lacks massive individual stars, they function as a cohesive unit that knows how to play well.
Lamine Yamal’s contribution was particularly scrutinized given his recent injury recovery. The 19-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, demonstrated his growing impact by winning the opening penalty. Celia Vázquez, a 50-year-old administrator from Barcelona, observed that while he had been quiet, high-stakes games clearly motivate and fire him up.
For many, the prospect of a final evokes memories of Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph in South Africa. Sánchez recalled celebrating with his family as a child, emphasizing the rarity of the moment. He urged fans to enjoy the experience, noting that such a triumph is a once-in-a-lifetime event, or twice if they secure the World Cup.
