Pedro Porro strikes as Spain double lead over France
Porro finished clinically to make it 2-0 after Spain continued to dominate proceedings following Mikel Oyarzabal's first-half penalty
Highlights:
- Porro made the scoreline 2-0
- Oyarzabal penalty gives Spain 1-0 lead
- Saliba forced off injured in first half
- France pressing hard for elusive equaliser
- Yamal continues to trouble French defence
Spain moved within touching distance of the Ffa World Cup final after Pedro Porro fired home in the 58th minute to double La Roja's advantage against France in their semi-final clash at Atlanta Stadium today (14 July).
Porro finished clinically to make it 2-0 after Spain continued to dominate proceedings following Mikel Oyarzabal's first-half penalty, which came after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box.
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Luis de la Fuente's side have controlled much of the contest with their slick passing and relentless pressing, while France have struggled to find a way through Spain's disciplined defence despite the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé.
With just over 30 minutes remaining, Spain are firmly on course for a place in the World Cup final, where England await the winners after booking their spot from the other semi-final.
France's problems worsened shortly afterwards as Saliba was forced off with an apparent injury, prompting Didier Deschamps to reshuffle his defence. The Arsenal defender's departure disrupted France's organisation at the back and limited their ability to build attacks from deep.
France's star-studded frontline, led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, found little space against Spain's compact defensive structure. Their best moments came on the counter-attack, but Unai Simón was rarely called into serious action before the interval.
Spain threatened to extend their lead late in the first half, but France managed to hold firm and keep the deficit at one goal heading into the dressing room.
With Spain in control and France missing one of their defensive leaders, the second half promises to be a decisive battle as Les Bleus search for a route back into the World Cup semi-final.
Spain XI: Unai Simon (goalkeeper); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal
France XI: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper); Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain)
