Spain won the World Cup for the second time by refusing to be drawn into Argentina's physical battle, maintaining their composure and passing game to secure a 1-0 victory. The match was a tactical masterclass from Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente, whose substitutions made the difference after a tense and often tedious final.
Argentina's physical strategy backfires
Argentina aimed to disrupt Spain's possession-based style through physicality and cynicism. Lionel Scaloni's side was allowed to push the limits by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who did not book Alexis Mac Allister for an early foul on Dani Olmo. The lenient officiating, combined with a pitch that hindered flowing football, created a slog of a first half. Argentina tried to kill the spectacle, hoping to take control later, but their tactics ultimately backfired.
Spain refused to take the bait. The European champions stayed calm even as Argentina's spoiling tactics and constant niggles tested their patience. Spain's pressing was expertly coordinated, stifling Argentina's ability to pass out from the back, particularly from the left. Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister were outplayed in midfield, forcing Scaloni to make a half-time substitution: Nico González made way for Leandro Paredes to provide more stability. However, the change did little to alter the mood. Paredes was booked for a needless barge on Rodri and was fortunate not to be sent off until after full-time.
Exhaustion and overreliance on Messi prove costly
Argentina entered the final as a slow, ageing side that had already played two rounds of extra time. Their heavy legs were further compromised by injuries to both starting centre-backs, Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero, who are comfortable on the ball. Their early departures deprived Argentina of an outlet and increased their reliance on Lionel Messi. Spain cut off the supply to the 39-year-old, who struggled to find space and could not shake off multiple defenders. There was no repeat of the crosses that hurt England in the semi-final. After Fernández's dismissal for two silly bookings at the end of normal time, Scaloni kept Messi on the field, but he became a passenger, unable to hold the ball up. Julián Álvarez, who might have worried Spain with his ability to run the channels, was instead removed.
Martínez's heroics almost force shootout
Álvarez's departure prompted Scaloni to bring on Marcos Senesi and switch to a back five. Argentina's expected goals (xG) was 0.00 until conceding forced a late flurry, which only increased to 0.22. It took until the 117th minute for the defending champions to muster their first shot, a hopeful long-range effort from Messi that was deflected wide. Spain defended as a team and remained unruffled. Argentina had 34.9% possession and just six touches in the Spain area. Spain dominated the second half, firing 20 shots to Argentina's two, but poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Emi Martínez threatened to leave them at the mercy of a penalty shootout. Martínez's 12 saves were the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final, including a spectacular leap to push away a Lamine Yamal free-kick. Yet it was not enough.
De la Fuente's substitutes make the difference
Spain were deserved winners from both a moral and tactical perspective. They played all the football and proved their big-game mentality by standing up to Argentina's nonsense. Rodri, excellent as the No 6 before making way for Martín Zubimendi in extra time, nullified Fernández. De la Fuente's substitutions were spot on: Pedri was incisive after replacing Fabián Ruiz in midfield. Argentina worked to stifle Lamine Yamal, using Nicolás Tagliafico to contain the teenager on the right wing, but De la Fuente stretched the play by bringing Nico Williams on for Álex Baena on the opposite flank. Now Spain had speed down both wings, and the pressure told. Mikel Merino should have scored at least once after coming on, but eventually a goal arrived. Pedro Porro sent in a deep cross from the right. Williams beat Nahuel Molina and pulled the ball back for another substitute, Ferran Torres, to score the winner.
