While the final was not as spectacular as the last one, it certainly brought plenty of tension. Spain came to play, and Argentina set up to defend and play for the penalty shootout. Haram-ball anyone?
This was reflected in Argentina’s zero shots on target for the first 90 minutes of the game.
Ferran Torres got the winner in extra time, and Spain thoroughly deserved it. A team that only conceded one goal throughout the tournament – the fewest for any World Cup-winning team.
One thing is for sure: Argentina’s defiant, never-say-die attitude throughout the tournament was finally broken by the Spanish Armada.
This is a full-circle moment for Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente, as he adds the World Cup medal to the Euro medal he won two years ago.
Looking at both finalists, there is remarkable longevity in both managers’ tenures. De la Fuente started with the Under-17s and is now manager of the senior squad. He knows the team inside out, and the team that won the Euros are pretty much the same one that just won the World Cup. De la Fuente trusts his young players, as reflected by two teenagers starting the final.
Lionel Scaloni’s tenure with Argentina is equally defined by longevity, as this is his eighth year with the squad. Minus Angel Di María, the Argentina squad are largely the same one that won the World Cup four years ago in Qatar.
Something for other football federations to ponder, as there will be managerial changes after this tournament. Zinedine Zidane is expected to take the helm of the French national team, while Juergen Klopp looks set to be appointed Germany’s manager.
Perhaps the English FA should consider giving Thomas Tuchel another cycle before changing a manager who just delivered a bronze medal. It was an exhibition but it was a competitive and fun exhibition.
Continuity matters because it helps build camaraderie and chemistry within the squad. A minor tweak can happen before the final squad are announced, but the core should remain the same.
Two cycles (eight years) should be the sweet spot for a team to stick together and win something.
Looking at the two finalists, it is clear that:
Spain know who they are Ball possession, where every player should stand, how to defend — those are built over time, not three weeks before a tournament begins. Even the substitutions feel familiar, whether on defence or offence.
After going through many matches together, every player knows exactly what is expected of them by the manager.
Argentina’s defiance is not built overnight
The comebacks against Egypt and England were not miracles. Those players know what needs to be done, and it was built over time. Many might dismiss it as luck, but in football, you build your own luck. Even better when you have the best player in the world – Lionel Messi – to deliver when it matters.
Looking at the squads France and England brought to this tournament, the core is clearly there, and any manager should have an easier time implementing ideas and tactics if that core remains.
Congratulations to Kylian Mbappe for winning the Golden Boot – well deserved. Thank you for entertaining the world over the last six weeks.
Pau Cubarsí is the Young Player of the Tournament, and at just 19, he will undoubtedly be a staple of the Spanish squad for years to come. His ability to pass from the back is a great tool to unlock any team that set up with a low block.
Rodri is back to his very best, and winning the Player of the Tournament award confirms it. Overall, it was a splendid World Cup for everyone to enjoy – full of goals and drama.
Even for us in Malaysia, despite waking up in the wee hours of the morning to catch a game. The number of teams should remain as is, and one hopes FIFA do not try to expand it further, as continuity is key to maintaining the quality of the football.
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