Spain clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in one of the most lopsided finals in World Cup history. This match showcased Ferran Torres’ exceptional performance amid Lionel Messi’s poignant farewell. Here’s how Luis de la Fuente’s squad secured their second World Cup title.
Player Assessments: Spain
Unai Simon – 5
Throughout the match, Argentina failed to take a shot until the 117th minute, leaving Simon largely unchallenged. His only concerns were likely related to maintaining good form and enjoying the sun as he celebrated with the trophy.
Pedro Polo – 8
Consistently threatening down the flank, Polo’s accurate cross set up the game’s only goal, finding Williams at the back post and highlighting his attacking prowess.
Pau Kubalsi – 6
Displaying maturity beyond his years, Kubalsi remained composed under pressure. While he faced few challenges from Argentina, his ability to maintain calm was instrumental as Spain secured the title. He was also named Best Young Player of the Tournament.
Aymeric Laporte – 6
With little to do defensively, Laporte faced only a half-chance in the second half, demonstrating his resilience in a solid but uneventful outing.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cucurella boosted his reputation with stellar performances at both ends of the pitch, mirroring his contributions during the Euros two years prior.
Rodri – 7
Commanding the midfield, Rodri helped steer the match in Spain’s favor. His red card in extra time was anticipated given his injury history, but he effectively contributed to Spain’s strategy throughout the match.
Fabian Ruiz – 6
With a pass success rate of 89% and two created chances, Ruiz provided a steady if unspectacular performance before exiting the match due to a red card after an hour.
Lamine Yamal – 5
While seen as a potential successor to Messi, Yamal struggled to make an impact as Argentina targeted him defensively. Despite the challenges, his experience will serve him well for the future.
Dani Olmo – 5
Though Spain held possession, Olmo found himself ineffective as opportunities to create chances slipped away.
Alex Baena – 5
Baena had moments of synergy with Cucurella, but faced tough competition from Argentina’s right-backs. Bringing Williams on for added pace was a strategic move.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 6
Oyarzabal was instrumental in pressuring Martinez in the first half but was substituted as Spain adjusted their attacking tactics.
Substitutes’ Contributions
Ferran Torres – 8
With a stunning display of skill, Torres delivered the match-winning goal in stoppage time, a moment that will be etched in his memory and set the stage for potential future accolades.
Pedri – 6
Bringing renewed energy to the midfield, Pedri outperformed Ruiz and contributed significantly to Spain’s dominance.
Mikel Merino – 5
A missed opportunity near the end of the match kept Merino from making a standout impression after he appeared poised to score.
Nico Williams – 7
Introduced to inject pace, Williams nearly scored in extra time with a powerful drive, later assisting Torres for the crucial goal.
Martin Zvimendi – 5
Zvimendi was often outside his usual duties as Argentina pushed for an equalizer, but he displayed notable agility and effort during crucial moments.
Eric Garcia – 6
Garcia enhanced Spain’s defensive line during the match’s latter stages, helping to manage Argentina’s offensive attempts.
Player Reviews: Argentina
Emi Martinez – 8
Despite a shaky performance that included several fumbles, Martinez made significant saves to keep Argentina in contention until the final moments.
Gonzalo Montiel – 5
Montiel struggled to support the attack and manage Cucurella’s overlaps, disappointing unfortunately compared to prior performances.
Cristian Romero – 6
Romero was solid next to Otamendi and held the defensive line until being forced off in the 70th minute due to injury.
Lisandro Martinez – 4
Though not directly responsible for any major errors, Martinez’s early exit left Argentina in a precarious position.
Nicolas Tagliafico – 6
Tasked with managing the threat from Yamal, Tagliafico succeeded in limiting his impact and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.
Rodrigo de Paul – 5
Failed to assert himself in the midfield battle against Spain’s controlling players, struggling to contribute effectively to Argentina’s game plan.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
Mac Allister was unable to play to his strengths as the entire squad fell back defensively, which limited his opportunities to make an impact.
Enzo Fernandes – 2
Fernandes received a warning for a reckless tackle before compounding his poor performance with a harsh red card, ultimately leaving his team in a difficult situation.
Nico Gonzulares – 6
In his limited time, Gonzulares posed a threat moving forward but left the field with injury, leaving Argentina’s defense vulnerable.
Lionel Messi – 4
Messi’s lack of influence on the match cast a shadow over his illustrious career. If this was his final appearance, it was a disappointing end to a storied legacy.
Julian Alvarez – 3
Defensive responsibilities stifled Alvarez’s contributions, exemplified by his late-game positional change to center-half, underscoring Argentina’s cautious approach.
Substitutes Overview
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
Otamendi provided much-needed experience but ultimately could not prevent Spain from breaking through.
Leandro Paredes – 2
Paredes had a lackluster performance, earning a red card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the closing moments of the match.
Nahuel Molina – 3
Inadequate defensive marking resulted in the decisive goal, followed by unsportsmanlike behavior that reflected poorly on his performance.
Facundo Medina – 5
Medina faced an uphill battle against Spain’s relentless attack, making his efforts seem futile.
Giuliano Simeone – 5
Simeone’s missed opportunity during a crucial moment in extra time left a void in Argentina’s attacking options.
Marcos Senesi – 5
Senesi contributed defensively but arrived just as Argentina needed a more offensive presence to turn the tide.
Best Player: Ferran Torres
Torres delivered a standout performance, leading Spain to victory with a crucial goal that may define his career moving forward.
