As the World Cup unfolded in North America, culminating in the final staged within the largest media market globally, the tournament naturally gravitated towards its star players.
Fox’s coverage accentuates this trend, framing each match akin to a boxing clash between two elite footballers, rather than a collaborative effort among 22 players striving for victory over 90 minutes. One semi-final was reduced to a showdown of MESSI against KANE (or MESSI versus BELLINGHAM, depending on the broadcaster). The other semi-final hinged on the hope that Lamine Yamal’s hamstring would finally be fully healed after an injury sustained in April. The narrative of MBAPPÉ versus 600 PASSES PER GAME lacks the same punch.
Despite being the reigning champions of Europe, Spain has not attracted the same level of enthusiasm during their quest for a second World Cup final compared to their semi-final rivals. Many observers questioned Spain’s capability to challenge France, with some online critics even labeling Luis de la Fuente’s squad as tedious.
There was no dramatic moment featuring Spain’s coach rallying the 70,176 spectators in Dallas, querying if they were entertained. That is not the accolade he and his team are pursuing. Viewers are entitled to perceive Spain as less thrilling when compared to the more explosive alternatives showcased in this World Cup. However, as France discovered on Tuesday, their method can be deadly when executed flawlessly.
Under De la Fuente’s guidance, Spain adopted a similar approach during Euro 2024, culminating in their fourth continental title. This team was intent on exhausting their opponents by denying them possession. Rodri enhanced his Ballon d’Or candidacy by anchoring the midfield, allowing his teammates to engage more in attack through his expert shielding. Álvaro Morata silenced his critics by converting the chances that came his way, finally becoming the frontline player Spain needed to realize its potential. Flanking him were two of the most elusive young wingers globally: Nico Williams on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right.
Most of these elements returned for the World Cup. Unai Simón has frequently ventured from his box as the team pushed higher up the field. Rodri has displayed exceptional form this summer, a welcome sight after an injury-plagued 2025-26 season following an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Fabián Ruiz has emerged as a competent double-pivot partner, adeptly distributing the ball to the flanks when pathways to Dani Olmo aren’t available.
Nonetheless, the spotlight has primarily focused on Spain’s struggle to convert their superior teamwork into goals. Both Lamine Yamal and Williams returned from injuries in the spring; Williams has only managed 98 minutes across seven matches, and Lamine Yamal isn’t yet at his peak performance. Morata’s exclusion from the squad was due to his poor form with Como, leaving Spain’s impressive buildup often faltering as they approached the final third.
Spain’s systematic play appears less glamorous without a dominant striker. Much like Queen without Freddie Mercury or U2 without Bono, even the most captivating basslines and rhythms fade into the background without a commanding presence. A fitter Lamine Yamal could have been that figure, but this World Cup has been characterized by the dominance of strikers and goalkeepers, not the inverted wingers who have increasingly thrived in the Champions League and Premier League.
However, Lamine Yamal did prove pivotal in the match against France. Attackers are trained to identify defenders who are overcommitted and unaware, as Mathys Tel discovered in May. As Lucas Digne prepared to side-volley a clearance, he inadvertently opened a window for Lamine Yamal to exploit without the ball. While there’s no assist recorded for Lamine Yamal in earning a penalty, his actions created a 0.78-xG opportunity in a match decided by narrow margins.
Following that moment, Spain’s control and precise execution triumphed over France’s inconsistent play. Except for their match against Paraguay, a team with comparatively less talent, France had navigated through weaker opposition with ease. Their ruthless performances against those teams had led many to label them as tournament favorites, despite a relatively unchallenging route to the quarter-finals. Morocco was expected to provide the necessary test but arrived in Foxborough looking bewildered and without a strategy before the match even began.
Spain, however, was anything but hesitant, having previously defeated France at the same stage during Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Few national teams possess the synergy of Spain, with many players having developed in the post-Guardiola era. This is the style of football they aspired to master, and these are the matches they envisioned winning. Thanks to their remarkable commitment to defensive duties, they managed to stifle a previously goal-hungry France.
It’s important to note that the justification for De la Fuente’s pragmatic style weakens if Spain fails to capitalize on the fortune they created. Without Lamine Yamal drawing that penalty, France would not have been pressured before halftime. If Olmo can’t deliver that pinpoint pass to Pedro Porro while under pressure, there wouldn’t be a two-goal lead. The worst-case scenario occurred in their draw against Cape Verde, yet De la Fuente remained steadfast in his principles. After all, a squad of Spain’s caliber can often break through if all players are aligned.
Spain’s strategy is designed to inflict suffering on opponents who do not perform at their best. This model can succeed against any team in international football, including—especially, given the evidence from three semi-finals—the formidable France.
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