ALL OF THEM, NOT ONE OF THEM

 

ALL OF THEM, NOT ONE OF THEM

Javier Dale, Spanish football writer in Times of India 21 July 2026

Yes, the final was dreary in parts, mostly thanks to Argentina. But,still, there was a wonderful message. The trophy ultimately belonged to a squad that didn't revolve around a star and played as a team. No surprise, squads hosting Messi or Ronaldo or Mbappe or Haaland didn't win the first prize.

Belgium, all guns blazing,  dispensed with US by simply playing  better. They made favourites France look pedestrian in the semi- final.                  (Marcela Mora y Araujo - Argentine football writer).

Cristiano Ronaldo was celebrated in his farewell. Lionel Messi inspired every conceivable superlative. Kylian Mbappe reminded everyone of the player he still is. Erling Haaland demonstrated that there are few greater assets in football than an unstoppable goalscorer.

Spain always trusted possession, quick combinations, movement and positional play. They behaved as though goals were simply the inevitable consequence of playing well. They never waited for an individual act of inspiration.

In fact they produced one of the finest World Cup campaigns ever seen. They conceded only one goal in the whole tournament. The final against Argentina elevated that performance to perfection. 20 shots at goal. 11 on target. 68% possession. 803 passes at over 90% accuracy.

Argentina  were reduced to almost nothing. Three attempts. None on target. They were left stranded as mere passengers on the pitch.

Football is a team sport. Passing is its fundamental act. As a team, Spain were solid, unbreakable and in control throughout. They were always in command of the match and the ball. 

The way they played, this team has every right to be remembered among the greatest World Cup champions