🇪🇸 Mikel Oyarzabal levels iconic Spain duo in World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Spain have struck the first blow in their World Cup semi-final clash with continental rival France in Houston.

And who else but Mr. Reliable, Mikel Oyarzabal, who was responsible.

The Real Sociedad ace has been in excellent goal-scoring form for La Roja this summer, as he continues to keep hold of his place as the leading centre-forward under Luis de la Fuente.

But his opener from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute wasn't just another clutch moment from the 29-year-old.

With that calmly converted spot kick, Oyarzabal pulled level with Spanish royalty for goals at a single World Cup, equalling Emilio Butragueño (1986) and David Villa (2010) to become the third player to bag five goals for La Roja.

Oyarzabal is also now just one of six players to reach 30+ goals for Spain, alongside the aforementioned Villa, as well as Fernando Torres, Álvaro Morata, Raúl, and David Silva.

Will his goal prove decisive in upsetting a Les Bleus outfit whom many continued to label as tournament favourite?

Stay tuned to find out!

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors