France’s attacking firepower was the focus of the build-up to their World Cup semi-final against Spain. If it wasn’t Kylian Mbappe who did the damage, it would surely be Ousmane Dembele. Or Michael Olise. Or Bradley Barcola. Or Desire Doue.

As it transpired, their threat was almost entirely negated. France threw Rayan Cherki into the mix too but were made to look toothless. How? “In front of them they had the best team in the world,” said Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente afterwards.

This so-called World Cup of superstars, in which Mbappe and Lionel Messi have scored eight goals each, and others, including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, have also delivered, may yet be won by the strongest collective.

It is hard to argue with De la Fuente’s description of his team. Having guided Spain to European Championship success two years ago, this was his 13th win in 14 major tournament games as head coach. It must rank as one of the most convincing.

Spain’s Pedro Porro scored Spain’s second goal after Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty

France were torn through at one end and limited to chances worth only 0.30 expected goals at the other. “Spain dominated the game in every single aspect,” said Patrick Vieira, a World Cup-winner with France during his playing days, on ITV.