As Spain advanced into the latter stages of extra time during the World Cup final on Sunday, Argentina’s strategy became evident: they intended to make Spain earn every inch. Every tackle was fierce, and their defenders worked tirelessly to disrupt striker Mikel Oyarzabal’s usual pathways, with Spain taking eleven of their twenty shots from outside the penalty area.
While Lionel Scaloni’s team displayed aggression, they also maintained enough structure to endure the relentless Spanish assault. Since the 62nd minute, when coach Luis de la Fuente made his first substitutions, Spain adapted their tactics to exploit opportunities, particularly after Enzo Fernández’s dismissal late in regulation time.
In the 106th minute, as Lamine Yamal assessed Argentina’s defensive setup from the edge of the box, Pedro Porro, positioned at right-back, observed the developing situation. Fresh from the kickoff, his teammates were running parallel, carefully creating space beyond the backline. When Yamal passed back to him, many spectators anticipated another routine buildup.
However, Porro surprised everyone by sending in a perfectly weighted cross. The Tottenham defender’s delivery was just right—powerful enough to keep defenders guessing but not so strong that it sailed out of play. Nico Williams reacted swiftly, noting that his teammates were slightly behind the play, and he took the initiative.
Williams, who had watched more than he played during the 2026 World Cup due to injury issues, seized his chance when it finally came. His previous experience as a starter in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign contrasted sharply with his limited appearances in this tournament, with only a 45-minute stint against Argentina being his longest outing. On Sunday, he aimed to inject more energy and unpredictability than his predecessor, Alex Baena, who had struggled to make an impact.
Once his moment arrived, Williams made it count. When Porro’s cross descended, the 24-year-old deftly directed his header not into the congested six-yard box but skillfully beyond the nearest defenders, setting up Ferran Torres, another substitute, to strike. This goal was a testament to their spatial awareness, crucial for breaking down a determined Argentine defense intent on forcing penalties with Emiliano Martínez.
Torres, like Williams, entered the match looking to exploit Argentina’s defensive strategy. Oyarzabal was instrumental for Spain in maintaining possession, frequently dropping deep to facilitate buildup while seeking gaps along the backline. Argentina had designed their defense to counter this, denying Oyarzabal any closer approach to goal. In contrast, Torres’s finesse and ability to move off the ball provided Spain with an edge, as he arrived with fresh legs to capitalize on a tiring Argentine squad.
In a match filled with fierce tackles, Torres’s run went completely unnoticed. Giuliano Simeone, the closest defender, had almost humorously removed himself from the play just as Torres sped past. Moments before Williams intervened to keep the ball in play, Simeone had misjudged the pass, assuming it was overhit, and was bent over adjusting his sock as Williams’ header found Torres. With Mikel Merino drawing the attention of three Argentine defenders—who had previously scored match-winners against Portugal and Belgium—Torres found himself with unexpected time and space to help set Spain on a path toward their second men’s World Cup title.
Throughout the latter stages of the tournament, Spain was frequently regarded as the standout team. Their collective play had become so seamless that even when they failed to score, their focus on buildup remained unwavering. Under de la Fuente, players displayed confidence in their roles, often accepting less individual recognition in a World Cup spotlight dominated by star players.
This balance is increasingly rare in contemporary international football. While club teams meticulously curate their strategies, national squads often rely on stars who play in systems tailored to their strengths. In a similar vein, Thomas Tuchel attempted to cultivate a cohesive culture within his team but faced challenges when key players fell short.
It’s easy to simplify teams to the star players they are meant to support. When it works, as it did for Messi’s Argentina, the approach is celebrated, but when it falters, as experienced by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, the issues become glaringly apparent.
Much like the top football clubs, de la Fuente was adept at adjusting Spain’s approach during matches by substituting players who could fill similar roles as their predecessors, albeit with different interpretations. Williams’s style on the wing allowed him greater freedom to challenge the opposition, while Torres’s entry provided a strategic advantage against an increasingly fatigued Argentine side. Even Pedri, who replaced Torres shortly after the hour mark, added a new dynamic to the midfield, complementing Rodri more effectively than Fabián Ruiz.
While Argentina struggled under the sweltering New Jersey sun, Spain continued to adapt. Their relentless pursuit of new strategies kept the defending champions on edge. With a skillfully executed cross, an intelligent header, and a timely run into space, Spain has positioned itself at the forefront of the sport as they head into the 2030 World Cup cycle.
