Superb Spain silence France to reach World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after surprising favourites France with a convincing semi-final victory at Dallas Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday’s showpiece thanks to goals in either half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. They will tackle either England or Argentina in their quest to clinch a second world title.

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Late Merino winner sends Spain past Belgium into semi-finals

Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero yet again as the substitute scored in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and book his side’s place in the World Cup semi-finals. Having come off the bench to score a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, the Arsenal midfielder stepped up with another late strike to decide a closely contested quarter-final tie in Los Angeles.

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Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal packing

Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an injury-time winner for Spain as they knocked Portugal – and Cristiano Ronaldo – out of the World Cup in a heavyweight last-16 tie in Dallas. Spain had failed to create clear-cut openings in a poor second half before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

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Oyarzabal brace helps Spain see off Austria

Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain proved too strong for Austria in a 3-0 win at the SoFi Stadium to take their place in the last-16 of the World Cup. After seeing a goal from full-back Marc Cucurella ruled out for a foul at a corner, the European champions went ahead in the 36th minute through Oyarzabal’s sweeping finish.

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Baena strike sees Spain top Group H as Uruguay crash out

Uruguay are out of the World Cup after another costly error by Fernando Muslera led to defeat by Spain – with head coach Marcelo Bielsa substituting the legendary goalkeeper at half-time. European champions Spain were already practically guaranteed a place in the last 32 before kick-off, but Alex Baena’s strike late in the first half meant they topped Group H and will face the runners-up of Group J.

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