We’ve already been spared from a repeat World Cup final. Spain knocked off France — the runner-up to Argentina in 2022 — on Tuesday in Dallas to advance to the title game.
Now, Spain awaits its final opponent, which will be determined Wednesday when Argentina and England square off.
No matter who wins, Spain will likely be the favorite, entering the semifinal round with the second-highest odds behind France.
Here’s everything you need to know about Spain before Sunday’s final at MetLife:
How Spain reached World Cup Final
Spain’s run began as shaky as it possibly could have with a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde — a team we now know is much better than its ranking.
That remains the only blemish on Spain’s resume. It finished the group stage with victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to claim first place in Group H with seven points.
Spain handily beat Austria, 3-0, in the Round of 32 before Mikel Merino netted a stoppage time goal to vault it over Portugal in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, Spain surrendered its only goal of the entire tournament to Belgium but still emerged victorious before Tuesday’s 2-0 win over France.
Spain's semifinal victory over France
On Tuesday, Spain conquered its toughest opponent yet in France, and it wasn’t even its tightest match of the tournament.
Spain took the game’s first lead on a penalty kick from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute, then Pedro Porro doubled its advantage early in the second half.
Its backline withstood a tsunami of French attacks, including 10 shots, three on target. Kylian Mbappé was held without a point for the first time all tournament after pouring in eight goals to lead the Golden Boot race. It’s a good sign for when Spain faces either Lionel Messi or Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane on Sunday.
Spain's World Cup history
Spain is currently playing in its 17th World Cup, making its debut in 1934. Before this year, Spain’s best finishes came in 1950, when it placed fourth, and 2010, when it won its only World Cup title to date.
Since winning it all in 2010, Spain suffered three disappointing finishes from 2014-22, going home in the group stage in 2014 before two Round of 16 exits in the following two tournaments.
Now, it’s back in the final for the second time ever.
Lamine Yamal is Spain's player to watch
Lamine Yamal may not be leading Spain in scoring, an honor held by Oyarzabal, but make no mistake. He’s the one you’ll want to keep your eyes on in the final.
Yamal recently turned 19, and he’s become a true star at Barcelona when he’s not with the Spanish national team. In his first-career World Cup, he’s scored just one goal as he’s adjusted to the global stage, but he has the ability to score anytime he’s on the pitch.
Expect Yamal to get his seventh start of the World Cup on Sunday after having a goal taken back due to an offside penalty versus France.
Common Spain fan traditions
Spain has always had a passionate, devoted fanbase, even though its traditions haven’t become as mainstream as Norway’s Viking Row or England’s postgame songs across this tournament.
Funnily enough, fans in Madrid were seen doing the Viking Row after Spain’s win over France.
Before each game, Spanish fans often eat common delicacies like tapas, paella and chorizo. One classic tradition during matches is the pañolada, when fans flaunt white handkerchiefs in the air to show either support or disapproval for a referee’s call.
Source: NorthJersey.com
