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

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Andrew Thompson

14 July 2026

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

, equalling Emilio Butragueño (1986) and David Villa (2010) to become the third player to bag five goals for

–

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

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

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