Spain finished with 12 shots on target, forcing Emiliano Martínez into 11 saves, several of them outstanding. That, in essence, summed up a World Cup final that proved to be an anti-climax from almost start to finish.
Spain did what they always do and what they were always going to do. As for Argentina, it was impossible to tell what their plan actually was. Were they intent on taking the match to penalties from the first minute? Were they hoping for a fortunate break or an isolated counter-attack to settle the contest? At no stage during the 90 minutes, or even in extra time, did they show any semblance of control.
Spain moved the ball confidently, refused to be drawn into repeated provocation through needless fouls and continued to play their football. Argentina, meanwhile, were virtually anonymous as an attacking force. Lionel Messi was scarcely involved in the first half after Unai Simón rushed out of his area to clear a long ball.
It was obvious before kick-off that the match would be decided in midfield, and Argentina’s half-time substitution was an admission of how badly they had got their tactics wrong. Starting in a 4-4-2 with only two central midfielders played directly into Spain’s hands. Even with three midfielders, it would have been difficult to wrest control from a trio as accomplished as Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo. With only two, it was impossible.
The introduction of Leandro Paredes at the break was a clear acknowledgement that the original strategy had failed. There were enough other signs that everything Argentina did was based more on hope than conviction. By the middle of the second half, only Nicolás Tagliafico remained from Argentina’s original back four. Lisandro Martínez had departed injured, while Gonzalo Montiel and Cristian Romero were both replaced. Marcos Senesi also came on during extra time as Argentina abandoned almost any pretence of trying to score.
That Spain took so long to break through was partly due to Martínez’s heroics and partly because of their own profligacy in front of goal. Too often, the final pass or finish was lacking, or they tried to overcomplicate matters, as with Nico Williams’ dreadful attempt at a trick when a straightforward finish or pass seemed the better option.
Make no mistake, though, Spain were thoroughly deserving winners. It would have been easy for them to descend into the sort of ill-tempered battle Argentina appeared to want, but they kept their composure and continued to trust their football.
It is no coincidence that Spain’s success as a national team has come since La Furia Roja abandoned the fury and evolved beyond its old identity. This side plays with control, intelligence and composure rather than anger and misplaced aggression.
The final had been billed as Messi versus Lamine Yamal, but in the end it was Ferran Torres who stole the show. Yamal had his moments, but it was another of Spain’s influential substitutes who ultimately made the decisive impact.
A generation ago, Argentina disgraced a World Cup final with two red cards and a dreadful performance against West Germany. This display was every bit as poor, perhaps even worse, because they had a better 11 on the pitch. Their tenacious run to the final may be remembered fondly, but this lifeless performance will not live long in anyone’s memory.
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