Spain – The New World Champions
Spain, the reigning Champions of Europe, became the Champions of the World, with a fine but laboured victory over defending Champions Argentina, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, last night.
The 2022 Final Was An Epic, The 2026 Final Was A Stark Contrast
The World Cup Final at the Lusail Stadium in 2022 between France and Argentina was a monumental epic, where football reached some incredible heights. Conversely, the final at the MetLife Stadium was in stark contrast to the 2022 final.
Spain Played Incredibly Well, Argentina Didn’t Play At All
Spain played incredibly well and, in my opinion, was the only team playing football. Argentina, a hugely gifted team, was doing everything but playing football.
La Roja Led By Rodri Moved Seamlessly…
Led by Rodri in the midfield, Spain hardly left the ball for Argentina. The possession play from Spain was nothing short of a masterclass as they went on the offensive right from the start. The ball control was magnificent as La Roja moved seamlessly with the ball from both flanks and the centre.
… But The Finishing Was Poor
Lamine Yamal was once again brilliant on his feet, displaying great skill. Twice he came close to scoring in the first half, but his finishing was surprisingly ordinary. In fact, right through the match, Spain did not finish well when they had chances. They either struck wide or struck harmless dollies for Emi Martinez to either catch them with ease or push them wide.
Messi Just Walked As A Spectator On The Pitch…
Argentina were left chasing the ball. Messi was hardly marked in a brilliant tactical move from Spain, as La Roja just denied Messi the ball. The legend just kept walking around and was more of a spectator on the field than a player.
… As His Team mates Shoved & Pushed The Spaniards
As the match grew with Spain having a stranglehold, frustration began to creep in for Argentina. The shoves, pushes and deadly tackles started from the defending Champions. In the second half, the rough play took more centre stage for Argentina than the football, when Paredes arrived on the pitch.
Enzo Fernandez was red-carded
Paredes hardly contributed to any move and was more involved in bringing down Spanish players. He was lucky not to get a red card and survived the match. Enzo Fernandez, a player with great skill, also fell into the frustration net. His couple of extremely poor tackles earned him two yellow cards, which turned into a red, and he had to leave with just a few minutes remaining in regulation time.
Lamine Yamal Struck A Free Kick in Stoppage Time, But Emi Martinez Was Upto It
With just a few seconds left, before extra time, Spain got a free-kick just outside the Argentine box. Lamine Yamal struck a good one, only to be saved by Emi Martínez. The match then went into extra time.
Ferran Torres Scored in Extra Time To Give Spain The Winner
The first half of the extra time went goalless too. But the second half was the clincher. Nico Williams, who was spectacular with his speed, struck one past Emi Martínez, but the goal was disallowed. Minutes later, Ferran Torres etched his name in history with a powerful finish from close range to kill the game.
Spain Crowned Champions After 16 Years
Penalties were the only option for Argentina, as they never looked like scoring in open play. But the Ferran Torres goal spoiled their plans for good. Spain held on stoically and emerged victorious and World Champions after a gap of 16 years.
Luis de la Fuente Was Tactically Sublime
What a performance it was from Spain right through the tournament. La Roja conceded just one goal in the entire World Cup. They were organised, disciplined and extremely focused on what they wanted. Luis de la Fuente was tactically sublime.
Argentina Were Disappointing
Argentina were disappointing and fell into the Spanish trap with ease. They lost focus completely and looked bitter and frustrated. Messi, their talisman, was reduced to a spectator. He could hardly conjure a single move. There was no inspiration coming from anywhere. Spain in the end were deserved winners.
Donald Trump Handed Over The Jules Rimet Trophy to Rodri
One of the greatest spectacles in the world of sport eventually came to an end after a mammoth 104-game journey in North America. President Donald Trump handed over the Jules Rimet Trophy to Spanish captain Rodri amidst raucous applause.
It Will Be Morocco, Spain & Portugal in 2030
It will be the shores of Morocco, Spain and Portugal, where the best in the World will descend in 2030 to fight for Football’s highest honour.
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