Spain's patient football philosophy triumphs as Argentina's lack of ambition costs them

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Argentina were criticised for a shocking lack of ambition — the defending champions barely registered a shot on goal, even before Enzo Fernández's red card late in normal time. The victory is seen as a triumph of Spain's patient, identity-driven style of play.