​So, in a state with a history of Spanish conquest, history could be repeating itself for Spain. As in Euro 2024, they beat France in a semi-final. As in 2010, they could follow victory in the European Championships by doing the double, by adding a World Cup. Deep in the heart of Texas, Luis de la Fuente’s side took a sizeable step towards greatness.Didier Deschamps had pronounced them as the favourites to win the World Cup. It turns out that was not just kidology. As the France manager’s epic reign came in effect to an end, it was without a second World Cup or a third consecutive final. Kylian Mbappe may yet go on to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer and player; but not yet, not in Dallas, not now.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, he was outscored on the day by Mikel Oyarzabal, the unheralded striker whose goal decided Euro 2024 and who set Spain towards a still greater triumph. The Real Sociedad captain had an unlikely ally. Pedro Porro, fresh from a Premier League relegation battle with Tottenham, scored a goal to take his side into a World Cup final. But Spain need no reminding that defenders can chip in: their previous World Cup semi-final victory, 16 years ago, came courtesy of Carles Puyol. Watching on, he must have remembered; so, surely, did Sergio Ramos and Xavi, alongside him.De la Fuente’s team are less defined by tiki-taka but they nevertheless prospered by exerting control. They are borrowing from the 2010 formula, global domination secured by reigning European champions who were immune to conceding.Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates with teammates after converting a penalty (Getty)An almost impenetrable defence has been breached only by Belgium’s Charles de Ketelaere. France, with their previously fabulous front four, were supposed to provide the stiffest test. But they were not the unstoppable force: not when pitted against the immovable object of the Spanish rearguard. After 35 minutes, France had an xG of 0.01. By the interval, it had crept up to 0.04. The numbers showed how negligible their threat was.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNevertheless, France may feel Spain were scarcely more potent at the start. This was a game that swung on a mistake: sadly for Lucas Digne, he committed it. The left-back has had a fine tournament but a duel with Lamine Yamal always offered the possibility of Spanish success. So it transpired, even if not in the manner that may have been anticipated.Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal clash (Getty)Digne headed the ball up in the air and, preparing to clear, not noticing his opponent, volleyed Lamine Yamal instead. A day after his 19th birthday, the teenager got a kick in the ribs and Spain the gift of a penalty. Oyarzabal, who has an impeccable record of scoring in finals, this time struck in the semi-final instead, drilling in his spot kick for his fifth goal of the World Cup.It was far from Lamine Yamal’s only contribution. The Barcelona winger has still only score