Spain have taken a 1-0 lead against tournament favourites France in the FIFA World Cup semi-final after Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a 22nd-minute penalty.
The European champions were awarded the spot-kick after a VAR review, allowing Oyarzabal to step up and fire Spain ahead as they look to secure a place in the World Cup final.
France, who came into the clash as one of the pre-tournament favourites, were forced to respond after a slow start, with midfielder Adrien Rabiot receiving a yellow card in the ninth minute.
Spain controlled much of the early possession and were rewarded for their attacking pressure with Oyarzabal’s composed finish from the penalty spot.
France, led by their star-studded attack, continued searching for an equaliser as the semi-final intensified, with both teams battling for a place in the final.
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