Madrid erupted in a cacophony of joy on Tuesday night as Spain punched their ticket to the FIFA World Cup final, defeating France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas. The victory, secured by a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty and a goal from Pedro Porro, sent thousands of fans streaming into the streets, draped in red and yellow, chanting and dancing until dawn. Main Developments Spain's disciplined performance neutralized a French side boasting Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. The breakthrough came in the first half when Lamine Yamal, celebrating his 19th birthday a day earlier, won a penalty that Oyarzabal converted. Pedro Porro doubled the lead with a clinical finish, sealing a win that pundits had called worthy of a final itself. The match, played in front of a raucous crowd, saw Spain control possession and limit France's attacking threats. "People didn't give us a chance, but we were able to beat France and we will beat whoever it may be in the final," said student Jaime Sanchez, 19, echoing the sentiment of many fans. Read also: Why Argentina's comeback over England defies World Cup history Background This victory continues a remarkable run for La Roja under coach Luis de la Fuente. Spain knocked France out of Euro 2024 en route to winning that title and also defeated Didier Deschamps's men in last year's Nations League semi-finals. The team's collective strength, rather than individual star power, has been a recurring theme. "They don't have very big stars, but they have a good team that knows how to play well," noted music student Jaime Lopez, 19. Lamine Yamal's form had been under scrutiny after he arrived at the World Cup recovering from an injury. Yet the teenage superstar's role in winning the decisive penalty underscored his growing influence. "I think he's been getting better," said Celia Vazquez, a 50-year-old administrator from Barcelona. "He's been a bit quiet, but always when you go out onto the pitch, being in a game like that, I think it motivates you." Why It Matters Spain's run to the final rekindles memories of their 2010 World Cup triumph in South Africa. For fans like Sanchez, who celebrated with his family as a young child, the prospect of a second title is deeply personal. "Enjoy this moment as much as possible, you only live it, not once in life, but twice if we win this World Cup," he said. The victory also reinforces Spain's status as a tournament powerhouse, capable of overcoming even the most star-studded opponents through tactical discipline and team cohesion. What's Next Spain will face the winner of the other semi-final in Sunday's final in New Jersey. The team's confidence is high, buoyed by a superb controlled display against France. Fans, meanwhile, are already planning celebrations, with the Plaza de Colon fan zone expected to be packed once more. The question now is whether La Roja can replicate the magic of 2010 and bring the World Cup back to Spain.