Rodri played the full 90 minutes as Spain beat France 2-0 in Dallas to reach the World Cup final, leaving Rayan Cherki’s tournament over after a brief cameo off the bench for the beaten semi-finalists.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne, before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead early in the second half. Cherki was introduced in the 71st minute in place of Michael Olise but could do little to change the picture, with France managing just one shot on target all afternoon.
It was Rodri’s performance in the middle of the pitch that drew loads of praise, with the City captain controlling possession and repeatedly cutting off France’s route through midfield — a display many felt was his closest yet to the level that won him the Ballon d’Or.
Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo benefited from the platform he provided, both operating higher up the pitch than they otherwise might have.
Cherki was left to reflect on a difficult evening, admitting afterwards that France had been beaten “technically” and “tactically” rather than by the occasion itself.
Spain now progress to their first World Cup final since 2010, where they’ll face the winner of England’s semi-final against Argentina on Sunday 19 July, kick-off 20:00 (UK).
For City supporters, it’s a rare bit of good news to end the tournament on for Rodri after an injury-disrupted season, even as Cherki’s summer comes to a premature close.
