In a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semifinal clash, Spain entered the halftime break with a slender but significant 1-0 advantage over France. The solitary goal came from Mikel Oyarzabal, who successfully converted a penalty in the 22nd minute, putting La Roja ahead in a tightly contested encounter.
Throughout the first half, Spain demonstrated superior control and composure on the ball. They dominated possession with 56 percent and completed an impressive 250 passes, showcasing their tactical discipline and midfield mastery. This control allowed Spain to dictate the tempo and create more opportunities, as evidenced by their five shots compared to France’s three.
Meanwhile, France, despite fielding a formidable attacking lineup featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, found it difficult to penetrate Spain’s well-organized defense. Notably, the French side failed to register a single shot on target during the opening 45 minutes, highlighting Spain’s effective defensive strategy in neutralizing the threat posed by their opponents.
With the French attack largely subdued and unable to make a significant impact, Oyarzabal’s penalty remained the crucial difference as the teams headed into the break. Spain’s performance in the first half has positioned them strongly as they look to maintain their lead and advance to the final in this prestigious tournament.
