Justice was finally served at MetLife Stadium.
A team that came to play soccer defeated the anti-football kings.
Ferran Torres was Spain’s hero, even if he needed extra time to see off the likes of Lionel Messi as holders Argentina lost the World Cup trophy.
It seemed inappropriate for one of the greatest players in the history of football to resign if this was to be his last act for his country, and Messi’s dreams were in tatters.
Argentina were horrendous, not having a single shot on target and it felt like they had no ambition to win the game. Enzo Fernandes was sent off in stoppage time after 90 minutes, which sums up their ugly, sweet and mean approach.
And Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes celebrated the Spanish star, sparking a melee and throwing punches as the final whistle arrived.
In contrast, Spain, ushering in a new world order with European champions now dominating the world, never quite lived up to expectations, although they were completely dominant in the final.
They totally deserved the win and their stylish football helped us focus on the pitch and forget about the stupid show business that FIFA tried to impose on their showcase games.
Spain had so many chances, so many near misses, and Emiliano Martinez was the hero for Argentina with an incredible performance, making at least 12 saves.
That is the only flaw in the Spanish system. They don’t have a goal poacher who can finish off great free approach play.
Nico Williams’ flick-on for Torres ultimately sealed the victory, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the large red-shirted crowd.
It was their day, a football victory over spoilers, but it also helped purists savor the game and quickly forget about the extravagant pregame and halftime shows.
Lionel Messi at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina
They performed music, a light show, and a bizarre half-set that left most of the audience cold in the scorching New Jersey sun.
True football fans had come to watch this match, and Argentina had just run out of dirty tricks, energy and legs after a hard-fought battle with England.
Let me tell you, Thomas Tuchel’s men must have been watching over the holidays and thought they could have given a better account of themselves than they did in Argentina.
they were miserable. They had no intention of retaining the trophy – they wanted to be the first team to do it since Brazil in 1962 – and they looked like a depleted force.
Spain becomes world champions for the second time
Spain were bright and dominant, with Rodri taking command from midfield and creating chances one after another, but they were denied by Martinez.
Lamine Yamal did not perform very well, but he played a good game, but he could not score. Lisandro Martinez was forced to leave the Argentina national team due to injury, and although he returned several times during this World Cup, he ended up walking with an injury.
Pedri, Torres and Mikel Merino all came close to scoring, but Williams was unable to find the net.
Even after Fernandes’ red card (a second yellow for a foul on Pau Kvarsi), it didn’t help Spain as Argentina hung on for a penalty.
Enzo Fernandes was shown a red card late in normal time.
It felt like it was heading in that direction until Torres intervened. And then, for the first time, signs of life were seen from Argentina.
They pushed and Messi got a try and they came close, but Spain were the better side and deserved to win.
This Argentine side appeared to have reached the end of the road. There are too many aging players. I’m sure Messi will retire at 39 or by the next World Cup.
Their mentality and fight took them a long way in this tournament and they deserve credit for that. If only England had that much.
However, they were crushed by a much better soccer team, and Spain was once again the king of the world. And rightly so.
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