Spain's complete dominance, disciplined defending and relentless pressing earned widespread praise from former Indian footballers, who said the European champions fully deserved their World Cup triumph after successfully neutralising Lionel Messi and overpowering Argentina over 120 minutes.
In a final that had been billed as a potential grand swansong for Messi, Spain produced a controlled and highly disciplined performance to deny Argentina the chance to win back-to-back World Cup titles. Ferran Torres, introduced as a second-half substitute, scored in the 106th minute of extra time to settle a tense contest and secure Spain's second World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010.
Former India captain Victor Amalraj said Spain had completely controlled the final and believed the margin of victory could have been even greater. "Spain were outstanding. They controlled the game from the beginning and did not allow Argentina to settle. They could have won by a much bigger margin," Amalraj said.
The former Indian footballer was particularly impressed by Spain's defensive organisation. The Spanish backline remained compact throughout the match and ensured that Argentina's attacking players were denied the space and time required to create clear opportunities.
The biggest challenge for Spain had been finding a way to contain Messi, who had been central to Argentina's campaign and was expected to play a decisive role in the final. However, Spain's coordinated defensive approach prevented the veteran forward from influencing the game in the manner he has so often done.
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Indian football icons said Spain's players consistently closed down Messi and forced him away from dangerous areas. The European side's pressing also disrupted Argentina's build-up play and prevented the defending champions from establishing sustained control in midfield.
Spain's ability to maintain intensity for the full 120 minutes was another factor highlighted by the former players. Rather than retreating after a goalless regulation period, Spain continued to press forward and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time.
Torres' goal in the 106th minute proved decisive. The substitute showed composure at a crucial moment and gave Spain the reward their overall performance had arguably deserved.
The victory also marked another significant achievement for Spanish football. After lifting the World Cup in 2010, Spain had to wait several years before once again reaching the summit of the global game. Their latest triumph underlined the strength of their footballing system and the depth of talent available to the national team.
For Argentina, the defeat brought disappointment after an impressive tournament. The team had been hoping to give Messi another memorable World Cup moment and become the first side in several years to retain the title.
However, the former Indian players felt Spain's tactical execution ultimately made the difference. Their pressing, defensive discipline and ability to control the tempo of the match prevented Argentina from playing their natural game.
The final was also seen as a symbolic moment in Messi's illustrious career. While the Argentine star remained one of the tournament's biggest attractions, Spain ensured that the night belonged to them.
According to India's former footballers, the European champions did not merely win the final—they imposed their style on it and thoroughly deserved to lift the World Cup.
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