Key Takeaways
- Spaniards celebrate after Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals.
- Fans filled Madrid streets, waving flags and chanting 'Long live Spain!'
- Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored goals to secure a place in Sunday’s final.
Madrid erupted in jubilation on Tuesday as Spaniards celebrated their team's 2-0 victory over France, securing a spot in the World Cup final. The joyous atmosphere was palpable throughout the city, with thousands of fans streaming out of the official fan zone in central Madrid to share in the moment.
Euphoric supporters like Jaime Sanchez, a 19-year-old student, expressed their elation: 'I am so happy and very proud of the team.' The victory over France, who were tipped as strong contenders for the final, was seen by many as a testament to Spain's collective strength rather than individual star power.
The streets of Madrid buzzed with excitement. Fans donned Spanish football shirts, draped red and yellow flags around their shoulders or painted them on their faces. 'Long live Spain!' and 'I am Spanish!' echoed through the city as people captured the moment on their phones and danced to popular stadium tunes.
Despite France's formidable attack featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, Spain managed to outplay their opponents with a well-controlled display. Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty and Pedro Porro’s goal were pivotal in securing the win, bringing Luis de la Fuente’s side closer to a second World Cup title.
Before the game, 17-year-old student Erika Barea admitted that France's attack 'scared her a lot,' but she remained optimistic. She pointed to Spain's recent victories over France, including their triumph in Euro 2024 and last year’s Nations League semi-finals, as reasons for confidence.
The form of Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, had been under scrutiny due to an injury. However, he played a crucial role by winning the first-half penalty that broke the deadlock. Celia Vazquez, a 50-year-old administrator from Barcelona, praised Yamal’s performance: 'I think he's been getting better. Being in a game like that motivates you.'
The victory over France was seen as a significant milestone for Spain. Jaime Lopez, a 19-year-old music student, echoed the sentiment: 'In general, I think they form a good team. They don’t have very big stars, but they have a good team that knows how to play well.'
With this victory, Spain now faces the prospect of repeating their 2010 World Cup triumph in South Africa. The team's next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and secure a second World Cup title.
I am so happy and very proud of the team.
Jaime Sanchez, 19-year-old student
In general, I think they form a good team. They don’t have very big stars, but they have a good team that knows how to play well.
Jaime Lopez, 19-year-old music student
