Should Spain's penalty have stood in World Cup semi-final amid Lamine Yamal handball claims? | OneFootball

European champions could face England or Argentina in World Cup final on Sunday

Spain were awarded a controversial penalty in their World Cup semi-final against France on Tuesday evening.

La Roja won through into their second-ever final with a 2-0 victory over Les Bleus in Arlington, Texas.

Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were enough to see the European champions into Sunday’s final, where they will face either Argentina or England, who they beat in the Euro 2024 final two years previously.

Oyarzabal’s opener was clouded by controversy, however, as Spain were awarded a penalty inside 20 minutes at the AT&T Stadium.

Lucas Digne misjudged the timing of a clearance under the high ball and kicked through Spain winger Lamine Yamal, but French players claimed that the ball hit the Barcelona wide man on the arm as it came down.

Penalty: Lucas Digne and Lamine Yamal

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The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and despite a VAR check, the call stood.

Oyarzabal stepped up and struck from 12 yards, hard and true beyond Mike Maignan, who guessed the right way.

On ITV, referee analyst Christina Unkel said: "It's a good analysis to take a look at that, the contact is on the sleeve of Yamal, it would not be considered part of the arm.

“That would not be recalled back for a handling offence. the penalty should stay. Like Harry Kane, they're committed to the challenge, but they have the option of not making contact."

That penalty - and Oyarzabal’s goal - gave Spain the platform to build on in the semi-final. and they sealed their place in the final in New Jersey on Sunday when Pedro Porro slotted beyond Maignan in the second half after a neat one-two with Dani Olmo.