Spain Punish Hotheaded Argentina to win Second World Cup in their History
In one of the most one-sided World Cup Finals in the competition’s history, the Spaniard’s relentless devotion to their task bested the doggedness of Argentina, to rightfully earn a second star on their crest. In a game of completely opposing team dynamics, we couldn’t have expected much else…
Ferran Torres scores game-winning goal to send Spain into jubilation
Coming into this game, all observers knew what we were in for: Spanish possession. Argentinian fight. Perhaps a moment of magic from either team’s talismanic figures (we all know who they are). No one could be surprised at the final we observed. Spain amassed 65% possession, with 20 total shots across 120 minutes. Knocking at the door in the first half, yet lacking conviction in those decisive moments, Spain’s lack of a natural centre-forward means their chances often fall to players in and around the edge of the box. This meant many comfortable saves for the Argentine goalkeeper, or simple blocks from the defenders ahead of him. Sadly for Argentina, one of their best performers of the tournament, Lisandro Martínez, was sidelined with injury just before half-time, costing the defending champions one of their starting centre-backs as well as a creative force from deep.
Much to Scaloni’s dismay, the chances never stop for Spain. They wear teams down with their precise passing play, forcing opposition players to jump out of position, or track the wrong runner. No matter how cautious are, Spain will find a way.
After the debatable entertainment of the half-time show, our second half was underway. Spain’s momentum never wavered, but their frustrations grew stronger. 8 shots were fired at Emi Martínez from outside the box in this half, as the Aston Villa goalkeeper put on a spirited performance that kept his nation in with a fighting chance. De La Fuente’s team of elegant footballers rarely throw away possession in favour of a shooting opportunity, but with Argentina’s inability to create going forward, it was inevitable that Spain would have the ball back soon.
Match Momentum graphic displaying Spain’s dominance - via Sofascore
Against a team showing no signs of attacking output, Spain were probing at 11 dedicated defenders. This soon changed to 10, after a disgraceful challenge from Enzo Fernández sent Pau Cubarsí spiraling through the air. The Chelsea midifelder seemed to plead that the young defender somehow performed this act, but it wasn’t up for debate. Enzo was off, and Argentina’s game plan intensified from ‘First defend, then find Messi’ to ‘Only defend, get to penalties’.
As extra-time begun, Spain ramped it up even further. The additions of Nico Williams and Ferran Torres brought a greater deal of pace and trickery, allowing space to open up across Argentina’s backline, whilst Mikel Merino’s introduction gave a focal point for Spain to attack. It was these substitutes that ultimately gave the win to the Spanish. Williams drove home what he thought was a winning goal, until the referee blew the whistle for an apparent foul on Nicolas Otamendi. It was a soft call to say the least, but fortunately for the officiating team, Spain scored an indisputable winner minutes later. Pedro Porro, one of Spain’s best creators in this match, bended the ball towards the back post, finding Williams, who managed to clip it back to the unmarked Ferran Torres to blast it past several defenders, desperately scrambling on the goal-line. It was a relieving goal for Spain, who worked and grafted against a team hell-bent on stopping the flow of football. Now, Argentina had to attack.
Despite a few magic Messi passes and a huge chance squandered by Giuliano Simeone, it was over. Argentina had nothing to offer, except a disastrous display of rage at the full-time whistle.
Lionel Messi in tears after World Cup final loss.
Messi’s dream of back-to-back World Cups comes crashing down, but his return to the top will never be forgotten. 4 years after completing football for good, Messi came back to treat us to one last month of brilliance. 8 goals, 4 assists. Utter magic.
Lionel Messi’s third World Cup Final ends in heartbreak, but the world’s greatest can be proud of a phenomenal tournament at the age of 39, showing that he can still compete at the highest level. As for Spain, Lamine Yamal completes football for his nation aged 19 and Pau Cubarsi wins Young Player of the Tournament in style. Alongside Unai Simon’s Golden Glove win, this Spain defence condeded just a single goal all tournament. And finally, the Player of the Tournament award goes to the man that knits it all together, Rodri. 790 passes completed is a record-shattering achievement, whilst his defensive resilience and leadership brought comfort to Spain’s system, allowing for a cohesive team performance throughout.
Congratulations Spain, for a well-deserved second World Cup win!
