Well, that wasn't in anyone's bracket. Spain, proving that defense really does win championships (or at least, gets you to the final), just handed France a rather decisive 2-0 loss in the World Cup semifinal.
France, the reigning 2018 champion and 2022 runner-up, came into this match as the heavy favorite. But apparently, Spain didn't get the memo. They've been on an absolute tear, refusing to lose a game for two years straight — a mind-boggling 37 matches. And in this World Cup? They've let in a grand total of one goal. One. Let that satisfying number sink in.
Before this game, neither team had even been behind in the tournament. Then, in the 21st minute, Spain snagged a penalty kick, making it 1-0. Just to really drive the point home, they slotted another one in the 58th minute. Two-nil. Game over, man.
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Start Your News DetoxPerhaps the most impressive feat? Shutting down France's notoriously potent attacking trio: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Mbappé was leading the tournament in goals before this match, which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone playing Spain next.
Spain, already the European champion and 2010 World Cup winner, will now face off against either Argentina or England in the final on Sunday. France, meanwhile, gets to play the losing team of that semifinal for third place on Saturday. Which, let's be honest, is a bit like getting a participation trophy after expecting to take home the gold.
