Spain delivered a dominant performance to defeat tournament favourites France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final in Dallas, with former England striker Chris Sutton branding France star Ousmane Dembele 'dreadful'.
Spain outclass France to reach final
France, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, were outplayed by the European champions. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring midway through the first half after Lamine Yamal won a penalty following a late tackle from Lucas Digne. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead with 30 minutes remaining, leaving France unable to respond despite boasting one of the most formidable attacks in the tournament.
Spain's victory was comprehensive, and they will enter the final as favourites, regardless of whether they face England or Argentina.
Sutton slams Dembele's performance
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Chris Sutton was highly critical of Ousmane Dembele, who had been impressive earlier in the tournament but struggled against Spain. 'Ousmane Dembele has been sensational at this World Cup, but tonight it looks like he has got his boots on the wrong feet,' Sutton said. 'He has been dreadful, he’s had a stinker. I cannot remember him playing as poorly as this.'
Sutton also praised Spain's overall performance, stating: 'France had their worst half of the tournament and Spain were deservedly in front. Spain gave France a football lesson. They are the best team on the ball and the best team out of possession.'
Mbappe ineffective as Spain dominate
Kylian Mbappe, France's star forward, was also neutralised by Spain's aggressive pressing. 'When you think about how impotent Kylian Mbappe has been… he hardly had a touch of the ball,' Sutton added. 'It was stunning from Spain. They are making the French look like fools popping the ball around them.'
France finished the match with a star-studded attack but failed to breach Spain's goal, ending their World Cup campaign at the semi-final stage.
