SPAIN DEBRIEFS

The Times of India of 16 July 2026 reports on Spain's victory against France in                        the World Cup Semifinal

Cruyff Returns - Spain played - the world watched - Spain's Tactical Masterclass          Shuts Down France

It was the unmistakable shadows of Johan Cruyff's foundational work in Spain's collective assertion on France.

The Spain Caoch says,"We have an exceptional generation of footballers. I am constantly surprised by what this team can do. The margin for improvement is infinite.We've recaptured the spirit of 2010."

The current members of the team from Spain were more tactically disciplined and less positionally anarchic than Cruyff's revolutionary Dutch team of 1974.

But they demonstrated how the core ideals of Total football - technical excellence, intelligent movement, collective pressing and territorial dominance - continue to thrive, more than half a century later. 

Rodri explained it further,"We showed the character we have in the team and how mature we are in big moments. In certain moments and in big moments, and this is for me the most important thing, to wait for your moments, to not get crazy if they punish you because they are a very good team. Composure is the key of our team."

Spain were in control from the start and France trailed for the first time in the tournament. 

The reputation of France meant little to Spain.

The Spain Coach, Luis de la Fuente describes,"Today we faced one of the best squads in the world. But in front of them(France) they faced the best team in the world. That was the difference. These players deserve everything because day by day they demonstrate their commitment, their solidarity, their talent. It's a pleasure to see them play. Today they gave us a masterclass."

Rodri concludes,"It means a lot. We have only been to the World Cup final twice.in our history. It's so difficult to arrive here. But we want to win the World Cup. We need to rest, see where we can improve and we can expect an even tougher game in the next one."

It was tough in the final. It was 120 minutes of scintillating football where Argentina could do nothing against Spain's brilliance and dominance.

Spain did it in style.

They lifted the 2026 World Cup