Spain totally outclassed France in a stellar display.
Pedro Porro shone as La Roja dismantled France 2-0 in Dallas on Tuesday to book their place in the 2026 World Cup final. It was the kind of display that reminded everyone why Tottenham moved so quickly to tie him down to a new contract running until 2031.
The 9/10 Porro was composed and effective throughout, doing what was asked of him defensively before producing the decisive moment of the game in the 58th minute. Collecting a one-two with Dani Olmo, he finished clinically to double Spain’s advantage and effectively end France’s challenge as a contest. ESPN’s match report awarded him the top rating alongside Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and Rodri, all of whom earned nines in a night that belonged almost entirely to Luis de la Fuente’s side.
What this Pedro Porro and Spain performance means in a wider context
France, who had been many pundits’ pick to go all the way, were undone from the very first whistle. Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal stole the ball from Lucas Digne, and from that point Spain never looked threatened. Kylian Mbappe was peripheral throughout and was booked late on for a petulant foul. It is the first time France have failed to reach a World Cup final in three consecutive editions.
Spain will face either England or Argentina in the final. For Porro, arriving into a World Cup final having scored in the semifinal and signed a new long-term deal at Spurs, life could hardly look better. Tottenham fans will be watching Sunday’s showpiece with an obvious interest.