Soccer-Masterful Rodri rolls back the years to anchor Spain’s march into the final
Rodri controlled midfield as Spain won 2-0, with France failing to register a save against Unai Simón.
- On Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, with midfielder Rodri anchoring an imperious display by Luis de la Fuente's team.
- The 30-year-old midfielder regained elite form Twenty-two months after rupturing his cruciate ligament playing for Manchester City against Arsenal in the Premier League.
- Rodri formed an unbreakable defensive triangle with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, stifling Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise so effectively that goalkeeper Unai Simon made no saves.
- Spain booked their first final appearance since 2010. "Step by step, one step further," Rodri said after the victory, reflecting on the tactical contrast between the sides.
- Covering more than 12.5 km, Rodri displayed the distribution that fueled his 74-match unbeaten streak with City, switching play to full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Rodri can become first Spain player to achieve historic feat that even Xavi, Iniesta, Ramos couldn't
Rodri is one win away from becoming the first Spanish player to win the World Cup, Ballon d'Or and Champions League. The midfielder already has UCL and Ballon d'Or and helped Spain reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dominant semi-final victory over France.
World Cup: He was magnificent - Zlatan Ibrahimovic hails Spain star after France win
Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has singled out Rodri for special praise after Spain defeated France 2-0 in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final encounter. Speaking on Fox Sports after the game, Ibrahimovic said the Manchester City midfielder was magnificent against France, adding that he was everywhere on the pitch. “I have to name Rodri. He was […] World Cup: He was magnificent – Zlatan Ibrahimovic hails Spain star after France win
The Spanish midfielder Rodri delivered a big performance against the French team this Tuesday. The Manchester City player also beat a 60-year-old record.
FIFA World Cup: Masterful Rodri rolls back the years to anchor Spain's march into the final
Spain's Rodri put on a midfield masterclass against France on Tuesday, making a long-awaited return to the form that won him the 2024 Ballon d'Or as he anchored an imperious display by Luis de la Fuente's team to take them into the World Cup final.
How Rodri Bossed France and Powered Spain into World Cup Final
Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.
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