After dominating Argentina for most of the match, Spain finally found a goal in the 106th minute to defeat the reigning champs, 1-0. Spain’s win completes a 38-match unbeaten streak that is now officially the longest in history and includes two major trophies.
Spain became the first team to win the World Cup while only conceding a single goal. France (1998), Italy (2006), and Spain (2010) allowed two goals in their tournament wins. Switzerland held clean sheets in every match of the 2006 World Cup but
were eliminated by Ukraine by way of penalty shootout in the Round of 16.
On Argentina’s side, Lionel Messi became the second player to play in three World Cup finals, joining Brazil’s Cafu. Four other players (Pelé, Ronaldo, Lothar Matthäus, and Pierre Littbarski) were rostered for three World Cup finals but did not appear in every match.
Der Kaiser: Pau Cubarsí, Spain
The 19-year old Barcelona center-back was absolutely dominant for Spain in his best game of the tournament. He had six clearances, five recoveries, won seven of 10 duels, and was only beaten once by a dribble while committing zero fouls. His 96% passing rate was elite and he even drew three fouls, most notably the second yellow card that sent Enzo Fernández to the showers and gave Spain a one-man advantage for the entire 30 minutes of extra time.
Fußballgott: Rodri, Spain
Spain’s midfield engineer was fantastic again, completing 95% of his passes on 116 touches, winning 80% of his ground duels, and locking down the center of the pitch that saw Spain claim 65% possession. Rodri was instrumental in seeking out Messi in dangerous situations and quickly playing Spain out of tight situations and maintain La Roja’s constant momentum.
Rodri joined elite company to become the 11th player to win the Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup. This prestigious list includes Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Ousmane Dembélé, Ronaldinho, Kaká, Rivaldo, Bobby Charlton, and Paolo Rossi. Rodri beat Messi and Dembélé in this year’s tournament to accomplish the feat.
Der Bomber: Ferran “Tor”res, Spain
Torres was a lightning rod for Spain over the last month, constantly providing a burst of fresh energy off the bench alongside Mikel Merino. Torres’ game winner today was also his only goal of the tournament but his impact stretched far beyond the score sheet. Seven minutes later, he almost made it a brace but was barely ruled offside.
Meister of the Match: Emiliano Martínez, Argentina
Similar to Viktor Krum playing for Bulgaria in the 1994 Quidditch World Cup, Martínez was clearly the best player on the pitch despite being on the losing side. Martínez delivered a performance for the ages, making a World Cup final record 11 saves and preventing 1.76 goals. It required a blast from short range to beat him and send Argentina home just one win shy of claiming back-to-back titles. The eccentric goalkeeper left it all on the pitch, likely playing his final World Cup match.
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