Spain employed a 4-2-3-1 formation focusing on possession-based play, relying on Xabi Alonso and Andrés Iniesta in midfield to create chances. France countered with a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing width through Franck Ribéry and Thierry Henry. Ribéry's pace troubled the Spanish defense, allowing him to score first. After Villa’s equalizer, Zidane's tactical intelligence shone through with his two free-kick goals, showcasing Spain's struggles against set-pieces. The match highlighted the emergence of France's tactical versatility and Spain's vulnerabilities in defense, particularly on dead-ball situations, setting the stage for Spain's evolution into a future powerhouse.