La Roja followed very closely in the footsteps of their predecessors; manager says final was a “date with destiny”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has said his side’s World Cup win is the fulfilment of “destiny”.
La Roja secured a second World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time to defeat Argentina 1-0 in a final that ended with the south American side reduced to 10 men.
Nico Williams had an earlier effort ruled out, while Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute after receiving a second yellow card, becoming the sixth player dismissed in a World Cup final and the third from Argentina.
The victory was another massive achievement for Spain under De la Fuente, who has now guided his country to European titles at under-19, under-21 and senior level before adding the World Cup to his record. The 65-year-old also became the oldest manager to win the tournament.
“It was written, and we deserve it,” De la Fuente said. “This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny and we wanted to make it count.
“The players have asked me what we have left to win. Together we’ve figured out that it’s the next match in September [against England in the Nations League] because this team is tireless.”
Spain’s success was built on a strong defensive record, conceding only one goal in eight matches. Unai Simon collected the best goalkeeper award and centre-back Pau Cubarsi was named the tournament’s best young player. They were also distinct for their ability to dominate and suffocate their opponents, and Rodri, the heart of their midfield, duly received the Golden Ball.
Torres joined the list of Spain’s World Cup final match-winners by scoring the decisive goal, echoing Andres Iniesta’s extra-time strike against the Netherlands in the 2010 final.
“This isn’t just my goal,” the Barcelona forward said. “It’s for 47 million people. I want to grab the cup and squeeze it. In the end, when you’ve got Messi on the opposing team, you do get a bit nervous, but we always try to play our own game.”
