The semi-final in Dallas was a tactical triumph for Luis de la Fuente, whose team completely nullified the playful, attacking football the French had shown on the way to the semi-finals.
Star Kylian Mbappé constantly had two defenders on him and got nowhere.
This group of players is exceptional. We still have a step to take. There has been a lot of tension, and it is a big responsibility to be in the final - it is a luxury. We have to digest all this now, said de la Fuente after the match, according to RMC Sport .
Double blows
In addition, France suffered two heavy blows in the first half that left a big mark on the match.
In the 20th minute, Spain was awarded a penalty after Lucas Digne kicked Lamine Yamal on the hip as he was clearing the ball in the penalty area.
The penalty was put away by Mikel Oyarzabal past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The goal was Oyarzabal's fifth in the World Cup.
The next blow came six minutes later when French centre-back William Saliba suddenly sat down on the halfway line injured. Saliba had to leave the pitch.
France appeared nervous at first, and that nervousness turned into frustration.
Spain's second final
And it didn't get any better in the second half. Spain continued to dominate the French and in the 58th minute the next goal came. Pedro Porro played a one-two with Dani Olmo and was then able to shoot home for 2-0, the Spaniard's second in the World Cup.
"It's a dream come true, I couldn't even imagine this in my wildest dreams," Porro told La 1, according to Marca .
Spain continued their dominance and a third Spanish goal was several times closer than a French one.
It was only in extra time that France recorded its only two shots on goal in the entire match.
Spain have only been to one World Cup final before, in 2010 in South Africa, when they defeated the Netherlands after extra time with the only goal of the match.
The World Cup final will be decided on Sunday evening, starting at 9:00 PM. Spain will face the winner between England and Argentina. France will play in the bronze medal match on Saturday.
