Mbappe Held Scoreless as Spain End France's World Cup Dream with 2-0 Semifinal Victory
Kylian Mbappe was kept quiet on the biggest stage as Spain produced a composed 2-0 victory over France in Dallas, ending Les Bleus' hopes of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance and sending La Roja through to Sunday's showpiece .
Mbappe Held Scoreless as Spain End France's World Cup Dream with 2-0 Semifinal Victory
Spain's triumph was built on a disciplined defensive performance that completely neutralised Kylian Mbappe, who had been the tournament's joint-top scorer alongside Lionel Messi with eight goals. The 27-year-old French captain managed just 15 touches in the first half, the fewest of any forward on the pitch, and his frustrations were evident throughout.
He was caught offside on consecutive occasions, his best chance in the 67th minute was deflected wide off Marc Cucurella, and his frustrations were summed up by a late yellow card for colliding with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon in the 86th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 22nd minute when Lucas Digne was caught ball-watching and clumsily kicked Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Referee Ivan Barton immediately pointed to the spot, and Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to fire Spain into a 1-0 lead.
France's problems worsened shortly afterwards when centre-back William Saliba was forced off with an injury, leaving Didier Deschamps' side without one of their defensive anchors.
Spain continued to dominate, with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz controlling the midfield battle and limiting France's attacking threat.
The second half saw Spain double their advantage in the 58th minute when Pedro Porro broke through from right-back and combined with Dani Olmo before applying a deft finish beyond Mike Maignan. 
Lamine Yamal thought he had added a third shortly after, but the teenager's effort was ruled out for offside. France pushed forward in search of a way back, but Spain's defence held firm, and Mbappe fired a free-kick comfortably over the bar in the 89th minute as hopes faded.
The victory extends Spain's unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling the all-time record set by Italy between 2018 and 2021. Spain will now face the winner of the other semi-final between England and Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
For Didier Deschamps, the defeat brings an end to a remarkable 14-year reign that delivered World Cup glory in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022, but a third consecutive final appearance was not to be.
Mbappe finishes the tournament tied with Messi on eight goals, but his wait for a second World Cup title continues.
Source: TrendyBeatz
