Spain advanced to the final – France torn apart!

France entered the match as the favorites, just as they had in many games before—until the ball started rolling from the center spot. From the first minute to the last, there was only one team on the pitch.

The other simply failed to show up.

The "best French team of all time" saw its remarkable run brought to an end by Mikel Oyarzabal, who converted a penalty in the 22nd minute, and Pedro Porro, who sealed the victory in the 58th.

Spain are heading to New York for the World Cup final in pursuit of their second world title. Awaiting them will be either Messi's Argentina or Kane and Bellingham's England.

Whoever they face will have every reason to fear La Furia.

The fact that France's star-studded attack—led by the tournament's top scorer Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and breakout star Michael Olise—managed just one shot on target belongs in the "hard to believe" category and says everything about this clash in Texas.

Mbappé showed occasional flashes of life, Dembélé disappeared as if he had never been on the pitch, and Olise struggled so badly that Didier Deschamps substituted him in the second half.

Spain devoured France like a plate of paella.

Tanjug/AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Spain finished off their opponents in trademark fashion: a long spell of patient passing, followed by a direct incision through the defensive line, a superb one-two, and a clinical finish by Pedro Porro.

Even at 1–0, few would have bet on Mbappé and company. After the second goal, it was clear to everyone—on both sides—that France would be playing for third place.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón deserves special mention. He has already made a compelling case for the tournament's Best Goalkeeper award.

Once again, he was the beacon of Spain's defense, confidently racing off his line on several occasions to intercept dangerous passes intended for France's forwards. He gave his teammates an extra sense of security, while on the goal line he was calm, composed, and virtually flawless.

In truth, though, he was rarely called into action.

Tanjug/AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Spain once again showed that they are kryptonite to Les Bleus, having also eliminated France in the semifinals of the previous European Championship. If there is one team that knows how to beat France, it is La Furia.

In the end, it is worth recalling the many predictions made before the World Cup—and reinforced as the tournament progressed—that Spain were the only team capable of standing between France and the coveted World Cup trophy.

They were right.

Tanjug/AP Photo/Jessica Tobias

The clash between these two teams—a final before the final—could be followed live through the LIVE BLOG on B92.sport.