Luis de la Fuente proclaimed his “unbeatable” Spain side as the best team in the world after they secured a place in the World Cup final, defeating France 2-0 at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro found the net, ensuring Spain reached the final for only the second time in their history, as they seek to capture a second World Cup title, having triumphed in 2010.
Spain’s impressive form comes in the backdrop of their European champions status, and the team was considered pre-tournament favourites by the Opta supercomputer, though their initial performance against Cape Verde raised questions. Spain now stands at 37 matches unbeaten, equalling Italy’s record for the longest run in international football. This remarkable run underscores their potential to reclaim the World Cup.
Spain’s Solid Performance Against France
Spain demonstrated their quality in a strong semi-final display. Notably, they showcased their defensive prowess by conceding only one goal throughout the tournament. The victory over France saw Spain limit their opponents to an xG figure of just 0.3, the lowest for a semi-final since Brazil’s notable performance against Sweden in 1994.
Record-Breaking Clean Sheets
This tournament marks a historic achievement for Spain as they become the first team in World Cup history to record six clean sheets in one edition. Their defensive resilience, coupled with clinical finishing, has set them apart in the knockout stages, moving onto eight consecutive wins in major tournaments.
Prospective Final Opponents and De la Fuente’s Optimism
Spain now awaits their opponents in the final, with either Lionel Messi’s Argentina or England lined up for the title decider. De la Fuente expressed equal enthusiasm for both potential matchups, highlighting the strengths of each side while remaining focused on his team’s continued progression in the tournament.
The SportiveNews view
Spain’s journey through the World Cup has exemplified their tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their unbeaten streak puts them on the threshold of footballing history, as they attempt to reclaim the spotlight on the world stage. With their current form, they look very much set to optimise this opportunity in the final.
Frequently asked questions
How did Spain perform in the World Cup semi-final?
Spain secured a convincing 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. They demonstrated defensive strength, limiting France to a mere xG of 0.3.
What records has Spain achieved in this World Cup?
Spain has registered six clean sheets in this World Cup, a historical first, and boasts an unbeaten run of 37 matches, equalling Italy’s record for the longest streak in international football.
Source: Based on reporting from Soccer News. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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