世界杯半决赛：防守封锁姆巴佩，西班牙二比零完胜法国进决赛

Today let's talk about a semi-final that can be called a classic: Spain beat France two to zero to power into the final.

This was a near-perfect performance at both ends, and the best proof of the revival of Spanish soccer.

First, a word on France.

France are packed with stars, with a host of top attackers like Mbappé and Dembélé, one of the most fearsome attacking forces of this World Cup.

Mbappé in particular had been leading the Golden Boot race.

Their opponents Spain, meanwhile, are the youngest and most energetic team of this World Cup.

They not only have refined possession play, but also an outstanding defensive line.

Alright, into the game.

In this game, the true protagonist was Spain's defense.

Facing France's lavish attacking combination, the whole Spain team showed astonishing discipline and focus.

They hounded and hemmed in France's stars, marking Mbappé out of the game, so that all France's firepower found no room to shoot.

While defending solidly, Spain also firmly seized their own chances.

In the twenty-second minute, they won a penalty, and Oyarzabal did it in one go, slotting home calmly — one to zero.

In the second half, in the fifty-eighth minute, Porro scored again, stretching it to two to zero and taking full control.

After that, a two-goal-up Spain kept running down the clock with slick possession.

France threw everything into a fightback, but could never prise open their opponent's defense.

The data shows France had many shots, yet pitifully few truly threatening chances.

In the end, Spain cleanly kept a clean sheet against France and marched proudly into the final.

So, how should this game be judged?

For Spain, this is a great win fit for the history books.

With a textbook display they proved that to win the title, flashy attack alone isn't enough — solid defense is equally the key to success.

This is also Spain's first World Cup final in years, since their 2010 title; a new era for Spain may be arriving.

For France, this defeat is without doubt bitter.

As big title favorites, they had a powerful attack in vain, helpless in front of Spain's parked bus.

And the misfire of Golden Boot leader Mbappé made their defeat all the more painful.

That's Spain two to zero France, a win belonging to Spain, and to the art of defense.

See you next match.