Two nations are making significant strides in the world of football: Spain, which is at the forefront of global football culture, and Argentina, which maintains a unique identity that influences South America. This dynamic has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the World Cup.
Johan Cruyff is the mastermind behind Spain’s football philosophy, having introduced the 4-3-3 formation and a distinct ideology at Barcelona. Tactical visionaries like Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery have since honed this approach, developing a philosophy that has shaped the playing style of Spain’s league, youth teams, and national squad for nearly twenty years. Key principles of this philosophy include a focus on ball-oriented defending, clearly defined positional roles, a high level of organization, and technical, combination-based play, enabling eleven players to function as a cohesive unit.
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, embodies this philosophy, having dedicated years to youth development within both club and national frameworks, supported by a staff of long-time collaborators. The essence of this style is exemplified by Rodri, who is often regarded as the world’s best player.
Spain’s tactical superiority was evident in their semi-final victory over France, particularly highlighted by the 2-0 goal scored by unmarked full-back Pedro Porro, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
The nation’s influence extends throughout Europe, bolstered by a remarkable record, including three European Championship titles in the last five tournaments (2008, 2012, 2024) and an unparalleled success in European club competitions this century. Spanish coaches are sought after across premier leagues, having successfully disseminated their strategies throughout Europe. Moreover, the Spanish women’s team has also claimed the world championship title.
The World Cup has reaffirmed that the prevailing style of football globally is heavily influenced by Europe, particularly Spain. Most elite international teams now follow the models established by clubs like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal. Teams that embrace this guiding principle often see significant sporting advancements, reinforcing the notion that the caliber of coaching directly impacts the quality of the sport.
Contrary to the belief that coaching methods have universally evolved, what is actually occurring is a convergence towards elite standards. This trend is evident in France, notably since Luis Enrique transformed PSG into a leading club in Europe. Didier Deschamps has long exemplified this philosophy, and while he fell short of a third consecutive World Cup final, he leaves behind a promising team for the future.
The England squad, bolstered by the Premier League’s international strength, showcases physical prowess and resilience. Key players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane aspire to achieve legendary status after a lengthy wait of 60 years. However, in the semi-final, their opponents’ stronger collective identity ultimately prevailed.
Thomas Tuchel successfully shaped his team into a cohesive unit that performed admirably throughout the tournament. However, the absence of high-profile stars and failure to evolve as the matches progressed proved detrimental. He ultimately lost confidence in his lineup against Argentina, leading to substitutions that disrupted the team’s stability and confidence, resulting in their downfall.
Success often emerges where a strong guiding philosophy is paired with exceptional individual talent, as seen with Norway’s Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Nevertheless, teams adhering to a clear philosophy remain competitive, even in the absence of such talent. Countries like Canada (under Jesse Marsch), the USA (led by Mauricio Pochettino), and Ghana (with Carlos Queiroz) have sought European-trained coaches. This trend is now extending to Brazil, where past talent has diminished.
Morocco has reaped the benefits of a squad largely trained in European academies or competing in top leagues. Their geographical closeness to Andalucía is advantageous, especially as they prepare to co-host the 2030 World Cup. Tactically, they mirror Europe’s elite teams, exhibiting compact defensive strategies and structured play. Other African nations also adopt similar approaches, drawing from European styles in their training and execution.
This tournament featured six European teams among the quarter-finalists. Out of the starting lineups, 84 of 88 players were contracted to European clubs during the previous season. The remaining four transitioned to other continents after age 30, including Lionel Messi. Except for one penalty, every goalscorer from the quarter-final and semi-final winning teams is affiliated with clubs that have reached a Champions League final in the past decade: Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool, Atlético, Inter, Chelsea, and Tottenham. It is evident that true excellence is cultivated in Europe.
Nonetheless, it remains a possibility that the world champion could emerge from South America for the second consecutive time. Argentina has also established a model characterized by a defensive focus, prioritizing physical encounters and emphasizing security—a footballing ethos deeply embedded in their culture. Except for Brazil, all South American teams are led by Argentine coaches.
A prime illustration is Lionel Scaloni, who stands on the brink of becoming the first coach since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to defend a World Cup title successfully. Having spent a decade as a professional in Spain, he began his coaching journey as an assistant under the guidance of De la Fuente, the very coach he will face in the final. The world of football is indeed a small one.
Philipp Lahm’s column was produced in partnership with Oliver Fritsch at the German online magazine Die Zeit.
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