Zlatan Ibrahimovic singled out Rodri for special praise after Spain swept past France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, calling the midfielder 'magnificent' and noting he was 'everywhere' in Dallas. France had entered the semi-final as slight favorites, having won all six matches with an attacking style led by Kylian Mbappe, but they struggled against the European champions.
Spain's dominant performance
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro proved decisive as Spain controlled the game. Ibrahimovic, speaking on FOX Sports, applauded Spain's work-rate and commitment from the first minute. 'They took the commitment from the first minute until the last minute,' he said. 'They were feeling alive, they were active, they wanted it, they ran those extra metres, they went into every duel, they wanted to win it.'
Ibrahimovic highlighted that Spain's attacking intent was clear: 'When they were attacking they were convincing, they took the initiative. You could see every pass they did it was like, “We want this”, and it was the opposite from France.'
Rodri's standout display
The former Sweden striker reserved his highest praise for Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder. 'I have to mention that Rodri was all over the place. What a game, what a player and he’s a player that doesn’t get a lot of credit. But in this game he was everywhere, he was just magnificent,' Ibrahimovic said. 'Football won today, this was a good game.'
Ibrahimovic added that while France could have done more, both teams deserved to be in the final. Spain will face the winner of England versus Argentina.
France's exit and Deschamps' departure
The loss marks the end of an era for France, with manager Didier Deschamps leaving his post after 14 years. Thierry Henry, Ibrahimovic's FOX Sports colleague and former France star, thanked Deschamps for his service. 'First and foremost, I want to say thank you to the team and Didier Deschamps for what they have done for our game, for the national team,' Henry said.
Henry noted that Spain's success stems from a consistent system across all levels. 'This is a team, this is a country… those Spanish fans and the team find a way to be successful at every level: women’s football, youth football, Olympics,' he said. 'Time and time again they are coming. They have an identity, a philosophy, they all play the same way.'
Spain's winning formula
Henry emphasized that Spain's system is key. 'He [De La Fuente] knows the system, all the players know what the system is. This is a team with stars in it but first and foremost, it is a team effort,' he said. 'France were not in it, we were not in the game but maybe it’s because when the Spanish team gets the ball they don’t give you the ball back.'
Henry pointed out that France managed only two shots on target, with the second coming late from Ousmane Dembele. 'That’s why I said that at every level you have levels. Spain, congratulations, you deserve to go to the final,' he added.
