Pedro Porro has often boasted, “Let me loose in a prison and I’ll end up owning the place,” In the penalty area, he demonstrated the same ownership, racing onto Dani Olmo’s impeccable setup to net Spain’s second goal in their semi-final clash against France in Dallas. With half an hour still remaining, it was clear the match was already decided. Spain had taken control, as they have done so frequently in this tournament.
After scoring, Porro celebrated by kissing the badge and sprinting towards the corner flag, joined by teammates who poured onto the pitch in jubilation. Tasked with neutralizing Kylian Mbappé, the tournament’s leading scorer and a key member of France’s formidable attack, Porro stood his ground. When it came time to strike, he was the one who stepped up, instinct guiding him to deliver a blow that assured Spain’s place in the World Cup final.
This marked Porro’s second goal of the tournament, a remarkable feat as he has outscored opponents during play. Prior to the match, he had been asked about balancing offensive and defensive responsibilities. “It depends on who you’re playing: against Belgium I was basically with [Jérémy] Doku all game. I only really went forward once,” he noted, adding with perfect timing, “Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this,”
Spain’s confidence surged when Porro scored, reinforcing their belief that victory was imminent. The two-goal lead was significant, but the real assurance came from their tactical execution. “We knew one of the keys was keeping the ball,” Pau Cubarsí remarked, emphasizing that France had struggled to create opportunities. They were firm in their approach, demonstrating mastery over the game.
Unai Simón’s crucial save from Ousmane Dembélé in the 94th minute marked only France’s second shot on target. Throughout the tournament, Spain has conceded just a single goal, showcasing their collective defensive excellence. This match was a testament to their dominance, characterized by a calm and controlled performance reminiscent of their historic achievements.
When Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to take the penalty that put Spain ahead, it was a moment of confidence. “Few things in football make me nervous,” the striker shared, and penalty kicks are not among them. Oyarzabal has a history of scoring in critical moments, including at the Euros two years ago. With an impressive record of 53 successful penalties out of 59 attempts, he was poised to convert.
The quiet man took it with the same conviction and assuredness, the same steel, with which the selección played all afternoon. “We knew that with calm we could hurt them,” Oyarzabal said.
Exhausted from their efforts, Porro was substituted late in the match, watching from the sidelines as Spain expertly managed the remainder of the game to the sounds of cheers echoing through the stadium.
In the stands, legends such as Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol, and Sergio Ramos bore witness. Porro celebrated Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory as a child, leaping into a fountain in his hometown of Don Benito, Extremadura. Now, just after his grandfather Antonio’s birthday, he and his teammates are on the cusp of replicating that success.
“This isn’t mine, it is all 26 of us” Porro remarked, recognizing the collective effort that propelled them forward. This victory belonged to every player, including Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, and the exceptionally talented 19-year-old Cubarsí, along with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Together, they transformed France into an ordinary opponent. While they may not all be household names, this triumph was a testament to the strength of their unity. Spain embodied the essence of the game, just as coach Luis de la Fuente had envisioned. “Tranquility is power,” he often states, yet at the right moment, unleashing their potential is crucial.
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