Never in the history of finals had a team failed to take a single shot at the opposing goal during regular time. Argentina, a stingy team that only attacked in the dying moments, ended up with just two chances in 125 minutes and proposed no more football than countering Spain with order, forcefulness, and too often dirty play, foul tactics, and trickery. Unworthy of the three-time champions aiming for their fourth crown. Only goalkeeper Dibu Martínez was spared from a very poor collective performance.
Read more The notes of Spain’s triumph in the final against Argentina
9) Multiplied
‘Dibu’ Martínez
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was by far Argentina’s best. His reflexes and agility prevented goals from shots by Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Cubarsí, Baena, and Oyarzabal. He gave life to the Albiceleste against the onslaught of Spain’s chances.
5) Dry
Montiel
The River Plate fullback was one of the three new starters in Scaloni’s lineup, replacing Nahuel Molina. He worked hard on the right flank in his duel with Álex Baena and in Cucurella’s advances. He displayed his repertoire of power, speed, and anticipation to stop the winger and had clashes with the Catalan fullback. Molina replaced him in the 58th minute.
5) Combative
‘Cuti’ Romero
The Tottenham center-back was involved in almost all the fights, with Olmo, Oyarzabal, or Ferran Torres. Correct in cutting underground play, he lost some aerial duels with the Shark. Medina replaced him (70th minute).
6) Injured
Lisandro Martínez
The Manchester United center-back had to leave injured in the 43rd minute, although he was already playing affected by a yellow card for a foul on Oyarzabal. He had a heated duel with the Basque forward, which the Argentine won for much of the time, except for a shot saved by Mikel (39th minute). When playing the ball, he kept it simple: a long ball to the sky. As a marker, he was a nightmare, decisive and troublesome. He prevented a possible goal from Lamine Yamal at 4 minutes by timely deflecting his shot.
4) Overwhelmed
Tagliafico
The Olympique Lyon left-back had to dance with Lamine Yamal and it was a headache. The Blaugrana winger won the battle with speed and dribbling in the first half, so he had to double his forcefulness in the second half with elbows and grabs. He managed to prevent the Rocafonda player from doing his thing, but was exposed in many of the Catalan’s actions.
5) Intense
De Paul
The Inter Miami midfielder, former Atlético player, replaced Giuliano Simeone from the semifinal team. He had to provide containment in the double pivot and block the play of Rodri and Fabián. His dark work and intensity helped minimize Spanish transitions.
3) Over the top
Enzo Fernández
The Chelsea midfielder, playing as a double pivot, earned a red card for his poor judgment in 10 minutes. The first yellow, in the 83rd minute, for simulating a foul and protesting to the referee for not awarding it, and the second for a nasty tackle on Cubarsí. Deservedly sent off.
Read more Ferran Torres: “The goal was not mine, it belonged to 47 million people”
6) Fighter
Mac Allister
The Liverpool midfielder displayed his craft with tactical fouls, underground play, positional play, physical clashes, pressure, and combativeness. He was excessive in some tackles, like on Olmo (15th minute), without a booking.
4) Fruitless
Nico González
The Atlético de Madrid midfielder was matched up with Pedro Porro and was like disappearing into the shadows. The Albiceleste did not get involved in the game beyond high pressing. Ineffective.
3) Missing
Julián Álvarez
The Atlético forward, desired by Barça, was not seen. Embedded between Cubarsí and Laporte, the striker barely received balls. He wasted effort pressing the Spanish defense’s ball exit, with more commitment than accuracy.
5) Powerless
Messi
What is a star like Messi doing in such a mourinhista team like Argentina? His magic was barely seen amid so much vulgarity. He was more a spectator than a miracle artist. He looked out of place, absent, intermittent, powerless, alone. A sad farewell to a World Cup.
The substitutes
Also played
OTAMENDI
5 Alert. Replaced Lisandro Martínez, injured in the 44th minute. Occupied the left side of the defensive axis with his usual forcefulness. Saved a goal by anticipating a possible shot from Oyarzabal when he was left alone (55th minute).
LEANDRO PAREDES
3 Trickster. Entered for Nico González after the break to recover more balls and stood out for intimidating with hits. Earned a yellow card for pushing Rodri, with no other purpose than marking territory. Over the top in zeal, caused a dangerous foul on Pedro Porro (60th minute), fought with everyone, and ended up almost fist-fighting with Gavi at the end of the match.
NAHUEL MOLINA
5 Correct. Replaced Montiel on the right flank without flair.
MEDINA
S.C. Refreshing. Entered for Cuti Romero on the right side of the defensive axis.
GIULIANO SIMEONE
3 Belligerent. The Atlético player, who came in overexcited for De Paul, overdid it seeking clashes and provocation, like the shove he gave Cucurella as soon as he stepped on the pitch, without a card.
Read more Ferran Torres dresses up as Iniesta and opens the doors to eternity: Spain wins the World Cup
SENESI
S.C. Anecdotal. Entered for Julián Álvarez in extra time.
