How a young and cohesive Spain took down Lionel Messi’s Argentina
La Roja nullified and frustrated Argentina as they secured victory in New Jersey to win their second World Cup. Thirty-four days ago, Spain opened their
La Roja nullified and frustrated Argentina as they secured victory in New Jersey to win their second World Cup. Thirty-four days ago, Spain opened their World Cup campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde. On Sunday, they ended it with the World Cup trophy in their hands, defeating holders Argentina in the final in New Jersey. Luis de la Fuente’s young side improved by leaps and bounds as the tournament wore on, slowly shifting up the gears as they headed through the knockout stages before finally emerging as winners in the biggest game. Spain conceded just one goal all tournament and maintained an unbeaten record, which has now stretched to an incredible 38 games. It all culminated in a dominant final performance by La Roja, who controlled the match and nullified Argentina’s attacking threats. Here’s a look at how Spain secured their second World Cup. The kids will be all right Spain went into this tournament with the sixth-youngest squad of the 48 teams competing, with an average age of 26.19 and just six players over 30. Compare that with Brazil, for example, who had 11 players over the age of 30 and an average age of 28.65. La Roja certainly opted for youth over experience, and it was the right call. Some of their best players are teenagers, with Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal both 19. Nico Williams, who assisted the winning goal in the final, is 24, while Barcelona midfielder Pedri is 23.
Slow starters Spain began their World Cup campaign in Atlanta, taking on debutants Cape Verde back in mid-June. The European champions failed to find a way past the African side and their star goalkeeper Vozinha, with the teams playing out a goalless draw. It was one of the most astonishing results in World Cup history, and left many asking questions about Spain’s chances at this tournament. Despite all the talk, Spain strolled past Saudi Arabia in their next group game before defeating Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara. The eventual champions eased past Austria in their last-32 match, but then required some real grit and determination to make it through the next two knockout matches. Super-sub Mikel Merino came off the bench against both Portugal and Belgium to score late winners for La Roja and book their slot in the final four. No need to rely on Yamal Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals was yet another game at this tournament where Yamal failed to fire in front of goal. The teenager was asked about this after the match and said that “no one will remember whether I scored goals” if Spain lifted the trophy. He was right. Mikel Oyarzabal led the way with five goals for Spain in North America, with the rest of the squad also chipping in. Mikel Merino and Pedro Porro both scored twice, and Ferran Torres scored the crucial goal that won Spain the World Cup.
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