Pedro Porro wows Spanish media in 'heroic' 9/10 display vs France - Roberto De Zerbi will love one thing he saw
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro was hugely influential as Spain defeated France to reach the World Cup final.
La Roja ran out 2-0 victors over tournament favourites France at Dallas Stadium to punch their ticket to Sunday's showpiece.
Luis de la Fuente's men were leading at the break through Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty.
Porro's clinical finish then put Spain two to the good shortly before the hour, and put the game beyond the reach of France.
It was a decisive contribution in a huge contest, and he will now face either England or Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
And Porro received rave reviews from the Spanish media for an all-action performance.
What did the Spanish media say about Pedro Porro's performance?
Tottenham News has been regularly covering how Tottenham ace Porro has performed for Spain this World Cup.
He has an outstanding tournament, and has fully deserved to be part of the final this weekend.
The Spanish media absolutely raved over Porro's performance, with Marca scoring him a 9/10.
The Spanish daily wrote: "He scored the 2-0 for Luis de la Fuente's team with an inside combination between Dani Olmo and him. Very smooth. He was substituted in the 83rd minute for Llorente."
AS did not offer a score in their review, but absolutely waxed lyrical over his performance.
They wrote: "A phenomenal performance from the full-back. For his stunning goal and for how he marked Kylian Mbappe.
"From start to finish, MVP. He began with tremendous personality and physical presence. Mbappe was frequently attacking down his flank, but Porro didn't let him down.
"And after fifteen minutes, when Kylian was racing towards Unai Simón on a counter-attack, he tripped him just enough to extinguish a fire that threatened to become a blaze.
"He put out several more, imperious defensively, and he also ignited one. Boy, did he. A one-two with Olmo and a killer finish made it 2-0. Heroic."
It is not just Porro's goal that will have thrilled Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi either.
Pedro Porro excels against Kylian Mbappe
Porro has always been an exciting talent marauding from full-back going forwards.
But, at times, his defending has come under scrutiny.
Last night, though, De Zerbi will have absolutely loved the way he shackled Kylian Mbappe, one of the most dangerous players in world football.
By the end of the game, Porro had made six defensive contributions in total.
He won one of two tackles, completed one interception, and made three clearances to help keep France at bay.
Moreover, Porro won two of four ground duels, and both of his two aerial duels in a fine defensive display.
Indeed, Porro is having a quietly excellent World Cup from a defensive standpoint.
In total, he has won 27 total duels (61.36 per cent), and nine of 12 tackles (75 per cent).
He has come out on top in 85.71 per cent of his aerial duels, while making 11 clearances, six interceptions, and 23 ball recoveries.
Moreover, he has covered a total of 39 kilometres, with a top speed of 32.84 km/h.
With De Zerbi liking his full-backs to get forward and support the attacks, while pressing high up the pitch in a high-intensity style, the Italian will be loving what Porro has brought to the table this tournament.