Spanish Media Rejoice: "A Lesson for the World" and "Don't Wake Us From This Dream"

Following "La Roja's" 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday night's World Cup semi-final, the Spanish press is overflowing with superlatives to describe the performance of Lamine Yamal and his teammates. Sixteen years after their sole appearance in the tournament's final, marked by an extra-time win against the Netherlands (1-0), Spain is once again savoring the euphoria of a final. Having overcome France with an impressive display, the team is now just one step away from a second World Cup title and living a dream. "Let no one wake us," implores the Spanish television program "El Chiringuito."

Overall, the press is ecstatic. "Spain defeated France, the best team in the tournament so far, but more importantly, they earned the admiration and respect of football fans worldwide," revels "AS." "It's hard to do better, to tame such a talented team, to overcome giants like Mbappé, Olise, or Dembélé. 'La Roja' achieved this feat." The publication highlights a "lesson for the world" and an "exciting match."

"Marca," another Madrid daily, is also unstinting in its praise. "An unforgettable spectacle," the Spanish media outlet enthuses. "La Roja" opened the doors of the "Prado" and the "Louvre" to reach their second World Cup final. The Spanish performance showcased every aspect of their team. France provided the stars, a showcase of promising young talents; Spain provided the backbone with an impenetrable defense, a midfield combining experience and precision, and an explosive attack."

Alongside criticism of the French offensive stars' unremarkable performance, Luis de la Fuente's selections are also being applauded. As against Belgium in the quarter-finals (2-1), the Spanish coach opted for Fabian Ruiz over Pedri in the starting lineup. This decision proved successful and was hailed by "Mundo Deportivo," a pro-Barcelona media outlet that has evidently forgiven the Catalan midfielder's benching. "Fabian Ruiz reclaimed his starting spot at Pedri's expense and justified De la Fuente's choice with his physical presence in midfield," emphasizes "Mundo Deportivo," highlighting the dominance of the Rodri-Fabian Ruiz duo in the center.

While Didier Deschamps complained about the refereeing, "AS" indirectly responds to the French national team coach, asserting that the penalty awarded against Lucas Digne for a foul on Lamine Yamal was entirely justified. "The foul didn't require VAR intervention. It happened in Dallas, and they say even a gas station attendant in Houston saw it," "AS" quips ironically.