Second Fall of Bastille & 37 and counting for Spanish Inquisition
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 15.07.26. | 10:34
Although many expected a much tighter contest, with some even backing France to win, the first 2026 World Cup semi-final was pretty one-sided, with Spain absolutely dominating Les Bleus
On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution began.
The people of France, led primarily by the citizens of Paris, and supported by parts of the bourgeoisie and later the peasantry, overthrew the absolute monarchy, removing King Louis XVI from power.
The beginning of the Revolution was marked by the Storming/Fall of the Bastille, when the people seized control of the fortress and political prison - a symbol of royal authority.
Today, it is a national holiday in France, called Fête nationale française, or simply Bastille Day in English.
Yesterday, France celebrated, but went to bed dejected, heartbroken, and angry. Not because of the national day, but because of the most important of the least important things in the world. Because of football.
Joyful and excited people of France hoped for a perfect ending to a glorious day, but instead, were left with nothing but disappointment.
Spain silenced everyone tonight. They didn't just beat France and book their place in the final, they completely outplayed them from start to finish.
— Islam Bouafif 🇹🇳🇵🇸 (@BouafifNour) July 14, 2026
I don't think even Spain's biggest supporters expected the game to be this one-sided. They controlled the tempo, dominated… pic.twitter.com/PsgE3Uex68
The nation's favourites, Les Bleus, shocked their compatriots with an underwhelming performance in the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain, comfortably losing 2-0.
The attack that had scored 16 goals in six matches prior to the clash in Arlington was completely neutralized. The defence that had stood firm throughout the tournament, conceding only two goals and avoiding collapse since June 26, was ripped apart. The manager who kept a firm grip on the reins dropped them in the crucial moment, letting himself be outwitted.
Spain were really out there doing a rondo session against France in a World Cup semi-final. Peak tiki-taka football. 😮💨✨ pic.twitter.com/dRTXsND5Cf
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 15, 2026
Spain's collective strength overwhelmed France's individual brilliance. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue were smothered by a solid defence built on relentless running and constant doubling up. La Roja simply exploited the inevitable mistakes of the rivals' back line, while Luis de la Fuente checkmated Didier Deschamps - and it wasn't even close.
The most potent attack in the tournament finished the game with an xG of 0.31 and without a single big chance created. Les Bleus' fortress has been destroyed.
🇪🇸 Spain has gone 37 straight matches unbeaten pic.twitter.com/CctJkaGaD2
— Novig (@Novig) July 14, 2026
On the other hand, Spain's unbeaten run has hit 37, equaling the record set by Italy between September 2018 and October 2021.
La Roja last tasted defeat in March 2024, when they lost a friendly match to Colombia (1-0), and are now one step away from making their streak historic.
The Spanish Inquisition shows no signs of slowing down, and their next opponent - England or Argentina, we'll find out tonight - can either find a way to outsmart them, or prepare to be executed.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Semi-finals
Tuesday
France - Spain 0-2 (0-1)
/Oyarzabal 22 pen, Porro 58/
Wednesday
22.00: (2.55) England (3.10) Argentina (3.15)
***odds are subject to change***