Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal hailed Spain’s unity after helping La Roja reach the FIFA World Cup final for the first time since 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France, www.aclsports.com reports.
Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead before Porro sealed the semi-final victory, sending them into Sunday’s showpiece where they will face either England or Argentina.
Named Player of the Match, Porro downplayed his individual contribution despite producing a standout display at both ends of the pitch.
“My job is to give everything for Spain and for the team,” Porro said after the game.
“Today isn’t about my goal. It’s about the work everyone did. Everyone’s support has been vital, and now our focus has to be on the final.”
The defender was equally delighted with Spain’s defensive display as they shut out a France attack led by Kylian Mbappé.
“We knew keeping a clean sheet would be crucial because France have outstanding players. The whole team performed brilliantly, both defensively and offensively. This achievement belongs to all of us.”
Porro revealed his thoughts immediately turned to his family after scoring, dedicating the goal to his son, who was unable to attend the match because he was ill.
“My son came to mind. He couldn’t come today because he’s unwell with a fever. It was a mixture of emotions because he couldn’t be here, and then his dad goes and scores a goal. I’m happy to dedicate it to him and I hope he’s feeling much better tomorrow.”
Oyarzabal echoed those sentiments, insisting Spain’s success has been built on everyone moving in the same direction.
“Everyone is moving in the same direction, with the same idea,” Oyarzabal said.
“Everyone understands what’s important. It’s about putting everything each of us has at the service of the team and the collective.”
The forward admitted reaching a World Cup final was beyond anything he imagined growing up.
“I’m incredibly happy. It’s something you don’t even dream about when you’re a kid. I don’t think any of us could have imagined this. We can proudly say that we’re in a World Cup final.”
Despite standing one match away from lifting the trophy, Oyarzabal said the squad would remain composed.
“We’re just one step away from achieving something historic, but we’ve stayed calm throughout this journey and we’ll continue to trust ourselves.”
Spain will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will bid to lift the FIFA World Cup for the second time in their history, 16 years after their first triumph in South Africa.
