Image Credit: The Economic Times.
It was 2006 when I saw the FIFA World Cup Final for the very first time, and since then I have been following this tournament passionately. The final has always been a contest between the strongest sides competing against each other for the ultimate glory. However, the 2026 edition turned out to be an exception. The reason being that in this very final there was only one team playing to win. The other seemed like they were trying to hold the game for 120 minutes and take it to the dreadful penalty shootout.
The defending champions, Argentina, were nowhere closer to the Spaniards. Yes, they took the game to extra time, but it was almost certain that they were nowhere thinking of scoring a goal and were happy in keeping the scoreline 0-0. It is pertinent to note that in 120 minutes there were just 3 shots on behalf of Argentines, and out of which not even a single shot was on target. On the other hand, Spanish had a ball possession of 68%, in which they took 20 shots, out of which 11 were on target. To be honest, had it not been for Martinez's best day, the Spaniards would have easily scored 4 to 5 goals. Emi did make multiple great saves to keep his side in the game. Unfortunately, in the 106th minute, Ferran Torres was able to get past and score the only goal of the game.
14 minutes later, the referee blew the final whistle. Spain were the new champions of the world after 16 long years. Whereas the Argentines lost their crown. Yes, one would feel for Messi, who was the best player of his side and carried his team on his shoulders at an age of 39. But, on that particular day, Spanish played better than them and hence deserved to win.
To watch the Highlights of the Final, Click Here.
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