France's bid for a World Cup Final three-peat collapsed before their eyes in Dallas on Tuesday.
The two-time world champions trailed Spain at the interval of their World Cup semi-final encounter, leaving France's hopes of a showpiece hat-trick on the ropes, before conceding a second to Pedro Porro after the break.
Mikel Oyarzabal punished Les Bleus midway through the first half from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne had clumsily kicked out at Lamine Yamal in the area.
Patrick Vieira hits out at France's semi-final display
The game also marked the first time Didier Deschamps' side had fallen behind in this World Cup, ending a run of six matches in succession en route to the last-four stage.
France failed to register a shot on target until the 81st minute at Dallas Stadium and were regularly put under pressure by the European champions.
Former France international Patrick Vieira reacted to his country's showing and did not hold back in his assessment of the account they gave of themselves in Arlington.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder won the World Cup alongside Deschamps as a player in 1998 but did not spare his former teammate's charges on their latest showing.
"I think the French team didn't turn up in this first half," Vieira told ITV.
"I think it's a huge disappointment, regarding the quality that they've showed so far in the tournament. I think they have to play with a little bit more intensity. They have to put that Spanish team a little bit more under pressure.
"I felt it was really quite comfortable for the Spanish to control the game and I would like to see one of the holding midfielders to commit himself a little bit more and to create the four against four to put them more under pressure.
"Because at the moment, the Spanish are doing what we expect them to do and are really comfortable on the ball."
France suffered a second setback before the break as Arsenal's William Saliba had to be substituted due to an apparent back problem picked up while on the pitch.
The defender was replaced by Crystal Palace counterpart Maxence Lacroix as Deschamps' side tried in vain to overturn their deficit and reach Sunday's final.
