In yet another battle of attrition for this World Cup, Spain ousted the defending champs, Argentina, 1-0 in a tense, physical, and sometimes sloppy finale.
An extra time banger from Ferran Torres was the difference, but it was much deeper than a timely goal. Argentina’s mastery of referees and the clock betrayed them on the biggest stage, while Spain’s consistency was the difference.
Here are some things we learned from the World Cup finale.
Spain truly was the best team in the tournament from start to finish
From the opening match to the final, Spain consistently looked
like the most complete team at the World Cup. Spain controlled games, created chances, handled pressure, and found ways to win against the best opposition. Its 1-0 victory over Argentina was not a smash-and-grab result. It was the final chapter of a tournament in which Spain repeatedly demonstrated that they were the best team in the competition.
Marc Cucurella is a beast
The Spanish full-back was absolutely outstanding in the final. Cucurella was aggressive, physical, energetic and fearless throughout the match. He battled for every ball, defended with intensity and never seemed to stop running. While the spotlight often falls on Spain’s attacking stars, Cucurella once again showed why he is such an important part of this team. He was a warrior in the biggest game of them all.
There was no #MessiMagic to be found in the final
Lionel Messi has produced countless unforgettable moments on the biggest stage, but this was not one of those nights. Argentina needed their captain to produce something special, yet Spain largely managed to keep him quiet and prevent him from taking control of the game. There were no magical dribbles, decisive moments or late-match heroics. For once, #MessiMagic never arrived.
Argentina waited too long to make its move
For long stretches, Argentina looked like a team that believed the game could still be won later. Perhaps the plan was to survive the 90 minutes and turn up the intensity in extra time. But the red card completely changed the equation. Being reduced to 10 men against a Spanish side that was already controlling the game made Argentina’s task almost impossible. Once the numerical disadvantage arrived, the comeback became an uphill battle.
Rodri still has it
There were questions about whether Rodri could still dominate at the very highest level after his recent injury problems, but the Spanish midfielder provided the answer on the biggest stage. His ability to dictate the tempo, win important battles and provide Spain with control in the middle of the pitch remains invaluable. Rodri may not always be the most spectacular player on the field, but when Spain need someone to control a final, he remains one of the best in the world.
Pau Cubarsi is the truth
At just 19-years-old, the Barcelona defender looked completely at home on the biggest stage in world football. Composed, intelligent and fearless, Cubarsí showed the kind of maturity that is rare even among experienced defenders. Spain may have found their defensive leader for the next decade and beyond. The future is incredibly bright for Cubarsí.
Argentina will have to reboot
Argentina have enjoyed an incredible era, but this defeat could mark the beginning of a new chapter. Lionel Messi is now 39-years-old, and the team will eventually have to move forward without the player who has been at the center of everything for so long. The next generation will need to take responsibility, while Argentina must find a new identity and determine what comes next. They remain one of the world’s great footballing nations, but after this World Cup final, a reboot may be necessary.
Spain is the new standard
This is not simply a World Cup title. Spain have now established itself as the team everyone else has to measure themselves against. Their technical quality, tactical discipline, depth, confidence and ability to control matches make them the benchmark of international football. The question is no longer whether Spain can compete with the best. The question is whether anyone else can consistently reach their level.
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