Spain dominate France: Cubarsí and Laporte shine in defensive masterclass
Spain secured a dominant win over France, with defenders Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte proving their worth as the tournament's standout pair.
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The Spanish national team delivered a stunning performance against France, securing a clinical 2-0 victory. This success was a testament to Luis de la Fuente’s tactical plan, which prioritized rhythm control and collective defensive discipline, leaving the French side unable to find a response.
At the heart of this triumph was the defensive partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte. Despite pre-tournament doubts regarding Spain's defensive solidity, the 19-year-old Cubarsí and the experienced Laporte have been immense. As Cubarsí noted after the match, the duo has effectively silenced critics, helping the team keep six clean sheets in seven matches during the tournament.
Spain’s defensive structure was flawless. By managing distances and maintaining high concentration, they neutralized France’s attacking threat, including Kylian Mbappé. France finished the game with a mere 0.30 expected goals (xG), marking their lowest such figure in World Cup history.
Beyond defensive resilience, Laporte and Cubarsí were instrumental in Spain’s build-up play. Laporte completed more passes than any other player on the pitch, while Cubarsí maintained a perfect record in his line-breaking deliveries. This technical security and defensive composure have been the bedrock of Spain’s progress to the final.