The tally could even have been higher were it not for Argentine goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, who was busy throughout until he got a shot that made the difference from Torres. It was a sad goal, but it was also perfectly made. It was a historic moment. Spain is the first nation ever to hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles at the same time. It is also the first country to be the reigning men’s Champion of the World Championship, the European Championship and the Olympics Championship simultaneously. In addition, Spain won the Golden Ball in the final (Rodri), best young player (Pan Cubarsi) and the Best Goalkeeper with Golden Gloves (Unai Simon). The Spanish team conceded only one goal and scored 14 goals throughout the tournament. To be fair, Argentina could have been beaten by more than one goal. The best team won. Spain played throughout as a complete team, with possession and positional football to win their Second World Cup title. Argentina relied heavily on their goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, and Lionel Messi, easily the best player in the world who was reduced to tears at the end of what may well be, at 39, his last World Cup appearance. He will always be remembered as a legend of the tournament with 21 World Cup goals and clearly a first rank artist of the game at club, national and international levels, a genius and a master builder.
Was the World Cup 2026 a success?, By Reuben Abati
