Spain outclass France to reach the final as Yamal eclipses Mbappé

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Spain reached the World Cup final with a controlled 2-0 win over France, Mikel Oyarzabal converting a first-half penalty won by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro doubled the lead after the break. According to Al Jazeera, Spain dominated a flat holders and booked their place in the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.

The tie became a showcase for Yamal over Kylian Mbappé, the 18-year-old winning the decisive spot-kick and driving Spain's attack while Mbappé failed to register a shot on target. Per ESPN, France's expected-goals figure was their lowest in 60 years, and Spain extended a tournament-record run of clean sheets to six.

Spain now await the winner of Argentina against England, whose semi-final on July 15 decides their opponent in the final.

Transfer and squad notes

Mbappé, the tournament's leading scorer, endured his quietest night of the finals and delivered a candid assessment of France's defeat, according to Yahoo Sports, a subdued end to a campaign in which he had otherwise starred.

Spain's progress drew a wave of home celebration, with figures including Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal hailing La Roja as they moved within one match of a first World Cup title since 2010, per Yahoo Sports.

What it means for the league

Spain, the European champions, are 90 minutes from adding the world title, their defensive record and Yamal's emergence making them a formidable finalist. France's exit ends their bid to retain the trophy and hands the tournament's youthful narrative to Yamal, who eclipsed his more decorated rival on the biggest stage yet. The identity of Spain's final opponent — Argentina or England — will be settled next, closing a knockout run full of upsets and history.