Sixteen years is an entire footballing era. Enough time for generations to change, legends to retire, new protagonists to be born and countless stories to be written. And yet, for Spain, all these years have been nothing more than a long journey back. A journey full of exploration, doubt and rebirth, which was completed in the most emphatically way in Dallas. “Furia Roja” defeated France 2-0 and secured its presence in the grand final of the 23rd World Cup, returning to the stage where 16 years ago it had conquered football eternity.

Luis de la Fuente’s team did not simply defeat one of the strongest national teams on the planet. They dominated against a star-studded team, imposing their rhythm, personality and philosophy. Didier Deschamps' France, with world-class players such as Kylian Mbappe, never found a way to threaten the Spanish side in any meaningful way. On the contrary, they seemed trapped in a match where every space, every duel and every initiative belonged to their opponents.

It all started with the eleventh minute. Mikel Oyarzabal, with the composure of a great leader, opened the scoring and gave Spain the lead they deserved based on their image. In the second half, Pedro Porro ideally completed an exemplary partnership with Dani Olmo, making the final 2-0 and putting his signature on one of the most important nights in the modern history of the national team.