Spain left France completely shocked on Tuesday night as they booked their place in the World Cup final with ease.
The reigning European champions comfortably beat Les Bleus 2-0 in Texas to reach their first final of this tournament since they won it in 2010.
France were pre-tournament favourites and they remained the most likely to lift the trophy heading into the semi-finals.
However, after winning all six of their games leading up to the semis, they were dismantled by Luis De La Fuente’s Spain, ending manager Didier Deschamps’ reign as boss with a whimper.
And that meant that La Roja booked their spot at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday to face either England or Argentina, live on talkSPORT.
France ‘a shadow of themselves’
Spain took the lead after 22 minutes of the semi-final, which came about when Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the box.
Yamal took a kick to the chest from Digne after the young superstar nipped in to intercept a hesitant clearance.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to score from the spot, netting his fifth goal of the World Cup so far for his country.
In the first half, Spain had five shots, two big chances and more possession, leaving France with nothing to shout about.
That then continued in the second half, as Kylian Mbappe and co. surprisingly struggled to create any chances.
Ally McCoist said during the game: “France have looked a shadow of the team we have seen at this tournament so far.”
And things got worse when Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro went on to score a second for Spain after 58 minutes.
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Porro netted his second-ever La Roja goal with a neat finish to double his nation’s lead and put one foot into the World Cup final.
Les Bleus accused of giving up
Ex-Scotland assistant Mark McGhee then said on talkSPORT as the game ebbed away from Les Bleus: “I don’t see any way back for France. Something dramatic has got to happen.
“You don’t want to say it, but it looks to me, sitting here just now, that France have given up on this already, which, as you know, Argentina never did [against Egypt].”
And he appeared to be right, as France continued to struggle in front of goal and Mbappe was booked for letting out his anger.
They only had three shots on target in the match, the first coming in the 81st minute – a shocking stat for a nation that had scored 16 goals in six games prior.
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England await?
Spain will now take on either England or Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 at 8pm UK time.
The Three Lions take on Lionel Messi and co. on Wednesday night, with the winner completing the showpiece line-up.
talkSPORT will have live commentary of the game tomorrow evening from Jim Proudfoot and England legend Stuart Pearce.
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