As Luis de la Fuente exited the dressing room in Arlington, he gathered his “I’ll tell them that this is a unique stage, the kind of moment that may never be repeated again, and that we have to be ourselves,” to impart one final message ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash against France. De la Fuente had long prepared his thoughts, emphasizing the uniqueness of the moment. “We’re facing one of the best lineups in the world,” he asserted, “but we’re the best team in the world.”
Upon their return, an exuberant voice echoed above the celebrations, capturing the moment perfectly. Marc Cucurella exclaimed, “It was written: we started in Atlanta and we end in New York,” The phone rang, and it was King Felipe extending his congratulations, albeit in a more diplomatic tone. The atmosphere was electric, with music filling the air and pizza being shared among the team. Dani Olmo reflected, “Take him out your pocket!” but the nature of their semi-final performance was anything but typical.
Facing a formidable opponent like France, featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Spain’s players showcased their dominance. Lamine Yamal humorously noted, “I’m not into these ‘literary’ or ‘journalistic’ phrases. I’m made of different stuff. What we have done is very hard, why would we not be happy? I value the journey, what we have done. Only one team can win the World Cup and whatever happens this is a success.” underscoring Spain’s recent successes against France, having eliminated them in the semi-finals of both the Euros and the Nations League in the previous two years. This time, they did it again, but with an unprecedented level of control and finesse.
Statistically, Spain’s performance was historic. No semi-finalist had been so thoroughly outmatched since Sweden eight World Cups ago. This match was more than just a victory; it was a display of skill and authority. France, typically full of attacking prowess, found themselves chasing shadows, unable to break through Spain’s defense. As the match progressed, Spain’s players celebrated their impending victory, arms wrapped around each other, embodying a sense of calm rather than nerves.
Rodri expressed, “It will be the game of our lives,” When asked about a saying from Luis Aragonés about celebrating only after winning, De la Fuente acknowledged his respect for Aragonés but firmly stated, “Centre-backs don’t like having to come to there,” He emphasized the significance of their journey and the success they had already achieved.
Rodri described the match as “It was planned to be in our best shape at the most important moment,” yet it felt as if they had already played it. France, once seen as a powerhouse, struggled to respond, with a lack of shots on target until late in the game. Their expected goals (xG) dropped dramatically from an average of 2.4 to a mere 0.31 against Spain, showcasing the effectiveness of Spain’s tactics.
The narrative surrounding this World Cup has focused heavily on star players, but Spain’s success is a testament to their collective strength. While Lamine Yamal’s contributions have been highlighted, he understands the importance of teamwork. Before the match, De la Fuente and Rodri emphasized the need for Yamal to manage his nerves and expectations, reflecting a tactical approach rather than mere encouragement.
Spain’s disciplined performance was evident throughout the match. Yamal played strategically, minimizing risks and rarely losing possession. This approach was part of a calculated plan that the team executed flawlessly, demonstrating their awareness and understanding of the game’s dynamics.
From the goalkeeper, Unai Simón, to each outfield player, Spain showcased their tactical acumen. Rodri, described as “We know France, how dangerous they are, but we also knew how to deactivate them. But in the end, it’s down to the players. However much you tell them something, it’s down to them to know how to find the spaces. Your pieces of paper and all the arrows aren’t worth much without them. Spanish players are the best precisely because of that interpretation of football. We started four years ago and we have been faithful to an idea, which is what brought us here.” by De la Fuente, dominated duels and completed more passes than any other player on the field. With contributions from all players, including Cucurella and Pedro Porro, the team’s defensive record remained impressive, conceding fewer than 1.5 shots on target per game.
Despite a slow start, Spain found themselves exactly where they envisioned, executing their plan to perfection. De la Fuente noted, “We said: ‘Back then could you ever have imagined being here?’” He emphasized the players’ role in interpreting the game and finding spaces, crediting their understanding of football as a key to their success.
Spain’s strategy has evolved, transitioning from a more chaotic style to a controlled approach reminiscent of their previous glory days. De la Fuente cherishes the continuity and competitiveness within the team, reflecting on their journey together since winning the Under-19s Euros in 2015.
While the 2010 World Cup-winning team remains a benchmark for excellence, this current squad, now European champions, has proven their mettle by reaching the World Cup final. De la Fuente has consistently maintained that Spain’s players are top-tier, a belief they reaffirmed to the world with their commanding performance.
- Spain
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- analysis
