More than four decades later, many Spaniards still wince at the memory of Michel Platini’s free-kick in the Euro 1984 final that squirmed under the body of legendary goalkeeper Luis Arconada and into the net. It gave France the lead, before Bruno Bellone added a second in the closing moments to seal the title. Spain had to wait nearly a quarter of a century before winning a major tournament at Euro 2008.
French fans may one day look back on what happened in Dallas in much the same way.
The opening 20 minutes had resembled a game of chess. France initially sat back, assessed Spain’s approach and gradually began to impose themselves. Bradley Barcola had already threatened with a surging run down the left, and Michael Olise only just failed to pick out Kylian Mbappé as the stretched Spanish defence scrambled to recover. France appeared to be gaining the upper hand.
Then everything changed.
When Lucas Digne headed Marc Cucurella’s cross, he was completely unaware of Lamine Yamal sprinting through behind him. A high boot, contact, and Ivan Barton’s decision to award Spain a penalty left France stunned. Their reactions, whether on the pitch or on the bench, made it clear they knew no VAR review was going to overturn the Salvadorian referee’s call. Once Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot, it became a very different contest.
Adrien Rabiot, already on a yellow card, had been France’s outstanding midfielder throughout the tournament. Alongside the returning Aurélien Tchouaméni, however, he found himself overwhelmed by a Spanish midfield that dictated the tempo. Rodri orchestrated proceedings, constantly directing his team-mates and ensuring Spain remained in complete control.
Within 10 minutes of the goal, France suffered another setback when William Saliba was forced off injured, leaving an already vulnerable defence further exposed. Rabiot’s robust challenge on Rodri before half-time prompted Didier Deschamps to substitute him at the interval, mindful that another booking would leave France with 10 men.
The introduction of Manu Kone made little difference. Spain still appeared to have an extra man in midfield and continued to dictate the pace of the game. Very little came off for France in attack. Mbappé was repeatedly caught offside, Ousmane Dembélé struggled to find his rhythm, Bradley Barcola faded after a bright start, and even the introductions of Désiré Doué and Ryan Cherki failed to stem the tide.
Whenever Spain attacked, they exposed the gaps at the heart of the French defence. Their second goal – with Digne once again failing to track the runner – effectively ended the contest. France never looked like scoring once, let alone the two goals they required to force extra time.
Mbappé’s frustration was summed up by his reckless challenge on Unai Simón in the closing stages. The only surprise was that no French player was sent off as tempers threatened to boil over.
Deschamps had finally released the handbrake during this tournament, allowing France to play a more expansive, thrilling brand of football. Yet once Spain cut off the supply lines to Mbappé and the other attacking stars, France’s lack of creativity in midfield was laid bare.
Spain have now stretched their unbeaten run to 37 matches. Whether they face Argentina or England at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, their opponents will have a formidable task on their hands if they are to prevent that run from becoming 38.
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