France, July 15 -- Luis De la Fuente's side seized control of the semi-final mid way through the first-half when France defender Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal in the penalty area.

Referee Ivan Barton awarded a penalty and Mikel Oyarzabal swept the ball firmly to the left of France goalkeeper Mike Maignan into the goal.

It was the first time France had trailed during the World Cup.

Spain braced to face France's firepower in World Cup semi-final

And their woes increased five minutes after falling behind. Defensive stalwart William Saliba went down with an injury and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

The pyrotechnics of the vaunted forwards Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele failed to ignite.

Instead, it was the Spain sk...