'We're one step away from history': Spain Stars Stay Humble After Sealing World Cup Final Spot

Spain's dressing room was filled with joy after defeating France 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup final, but Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí and Mikel Oyarzabal all delivered the same message after the final whistle: enjoy the moment, then focus on finishing the job.

Mikel Oyarzabal's composed first-half penalty, coupled with a defensive masterclass that neutralised Kylian Mbappé and France's attacking threat, secured La Roja's place in the final as Luis de la Fuente's side moved within one victory of world glory.

Despite the celebrations, the players insisted the journey is not complete.

Pedro Porro, named Player of the Match after scoring and producing another outstanding defensive display, dedicated the victory to supporters back home.

"We know everyone in Spain has been behind us," Porro said in the post-match player interviews. "This was a very important game, and we want to dedicate this win to all of them because they have pushed us from Spain."

The Tottenham full-back downplayed his contribution despite producing one of the defining moments of the night.

"My job is simply to give everything for Spain and for the team," he said. "This isn't about my goal. It's the work of all 26 players, those on the pitch, those on the bench, our families and everyone supporting us."

Porro was especially pleased with Spain's defensive discipline against one of the tournament's favourites.

"We knew France had incredible attacking players, so keeping a clean sheet was critical. The whole team defended brilliantly and attacked well too. This achievement belongs to everyone."

Asked about his remarkable rise in the national team, Porro credited his belief and the faith shown by Luis de la Fuente.

"I've always believed in myself. I've worked with humility since I was very young. Playing at this World Cup is beyond anything I could have dreamed, and I owe a lot to my teammates and the coach for trusting me."

His goal carried an emotional significance beyond football.

"My son couldn't be here because he's ill with a fever," Porro revealed. "When I scored, I immediately thought about him. I dedicate the goal to him and hope he's feeling better tomorrow."

Despite Spain's impressive unbeaten run, Porro dismissed suggestions that the squad feels invincible.

"We've simply worked with humility and gone step by step. Now our focus is on recovering and preparing for the final."

At just 19 years old, Pau Cubarsí is preparing to play in a World Cup final in his first appearance at the tournament, yet the Barcelona defender remained remarkably composed.

"We're pleased with the work the whole team has done," Cubarsí said. "We knew France would be difficult because they have spectacular players, but we believe we have them too."

"We're a family. We helped each other throughout the 90 minutes and worked harder than ever, and we're proud of what we've achieved."

Although delighted, Cubarsí stressed there is still work to do.

"We'll enjoy this, rest, recover and then fight with everything we have in the final."

The teenager described jubilant scenes inside the dressing room.

"There were shouts, joy, euphoria and huge celebrations because we played a spectacular match. But now the dream is still alive."

Cubarsí also praised Spain's defensive unit after another commanding display.

"Some people questioned our defence before the tournament, but I think we've answered those doubts. We've only conceded once, and now we're in a World Cup final."

He also encouraged young footballers inspired by Spain's run.

"I'm still very young myself. Football should be enjoyed. If you work hard and make sacrifices, your opportunities will come. Keep fighting for your dreams."

Match-winner Mikel Oyarzabal believes Spain's collective spirit has been the foundation of their run to the final.

"Everyone is moving in the same direction with the same idea," he said. "Each player is giving everything they have for the benefit of the team."

The Real Sociedad forward admitted reaching a World Cup final exceeded anything he imagined growing up.

"It's something you never dream could actually happen. We can proudly say we're in a World Cup final."

While Spain have impressed throughout the tournament, Oyarzabal insisted that the squad's mentality has remained unchanged.

"We're immensely happy and proud, but we're as calm now as we were after our first game. We know we're one step away from something historic, but we trust in what we're doing."

Tactically, he explained why Spain refused to sit back after taking the lead.

"We knew if we were satisfied with 1-0, we would suffer. We had to keep attacking and look for the second goal because that's our identity."

Oyarzabal also revealed how he prepared for the decisive penalty.

"You work on these situations beforehand and have an idea in your mind. I tried to stay in my own world and stay focused, and fortunately everything went as I'd imagined."

As Spain now prepare for the biggest match in international football, Oyarzabal believes their success has come from collective sacrifice.

"Everyone puts their individual qualities at the service of the team. That's what has brought us here."

"We've got one final step left. Now it's about recovering, preparing well and giving everything one last time on Sunday."