Football is more than a game, a sentiment reflected in the Spanish media’s response to the national team’s stunning victory over Argentina. This win, celebrated on Monday, signifies a crucial moment for the country during a time of political unrest.
El País highlighted, “It is the triumph of Luis de la Fuente and of an extraordinary group of footballers who – in a sport of stars and social media divas – have prioritised team values, joint intelligence, and the conviction of hard work,” This editorial underscored the significance of the team’s cohesion, emphasizing the essential “It’s easy to see in this team, in its diversity of origins and regions, in the character of its stars, in its style of play, and in its ability to connect with fans and citizens alike, a reflection of what this country is, and what it can be, in the 21st century.” their achievement has inspired throughout Spain.
The publication further remarked that the players’ diverse backgrounds embody the spirit of modern Spain.
“Our country has lived a unique collective experience,”
A Unique Collective Experience
El Mundo echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Thanks to a group of young people who are as dazzling as they are relatable, we have seen the finest values of a Spain that is modern, exciting and capable of looking to the future with huge confidence.” The editorial emphasized the role of young players who represent the essence of a vibrant, forward-looking Spain.
ABC captured the celebratory atmosphere with the headline “Unlike Argentina, De la Fuente’s team had the courtesy to give Argentina a guard of honour as the ‘worthy’ runner-up … and even Sergio Ramos, who was in charge of carrying the World Cup trophy to the stage where Infantino and Trump presented it, embraced Messi in a warm, consoling hug, as Messi began to dissolve in a sea of tears.” contrasting Spain’s dignified conduct with Argentina’s less gracious demeanor. The publication noted, “Spain had more possession, created more chances, had more shots than Argentina, and looked more dangerous,”
Rubén Cañizares remarked on the respectful gestures from the Spanish squad, particularly highlighting Sergio Ramos’ heartfelt embrace with Messi during a moment of vulnerability for the Argentine star.
Spain’s Dominance in the Final
In Marca, José I Pérez analyzed the factors contributing to Spain’s second World Cup triumph. He noted, “The team was the better side in the final … Argentina, like all the other teams in the tournament except Belgium, couldn’t score against Spain, who have only conceded one goal in their eight World Cup matches. It’s a spectacular record. It’s unprecedented in the World Cup for a winning team.”
Pérez highlighted the team’s overall dominance, stating, “If a Martian had landed on Earth yesterday and turned on the television, he would scarcely have guessed that the World Cup final was about to begin,”
Reflection on the World Cup Experience
Jordi Basté from La Vanguardia commented on the Spanish team’s concentrated performance despite the distractions surrounding the event. He observed, “He would have thought he was watching the opening of a casino or billionaires’ convention.”
Basté pointed out the absurdity surrounding the final, filled with celebrities and politicians, while asserting, “the Spanish national team was the only one that understood what this was all about” He concluded, “Because when the noise dies down, when the drones are withdrawn, when the VIP boxes empty, all that’s left is the game. And in that respect, the Spanish team was the best in the World Cup.”
