Didier Deschamps was the first to criticise the quality of the pitch at the MetLife Stadium, which hosted France’s opening match against Senegal in this World Cup. The observation made by the now-former France head coach proved accurate as the New Jersey arena hosted the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

While the venue’s pitch clearly contributed to a cautious and error-filled first half, there were other organizational issues during Sunday’s final. Attendees, including journalists and volunteers, faced lengthy three-hour queues, as security tightened for Donald Trump’s attendance. The tournament’s closing ceremony, led by Tom Cruise, was largely overshadowed by disinterested Argentine fans, and a 27-minute half-time show added to the disruption.

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On the field, the reigning champions exhibited little offensive intent but maintained a typical aggressive intensity in their tackles. Lyon left-back Nicolás Tagliafico was fortunate not to receive a booking after a reckless studs-up challenge on Lamine Yamal. Spain’s best opportunities came from a one-two between Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo early on and a long-range effort from Mikel Oyarzabal, both of which were expertly saved by Emiliano Martínez.

La Roja continued to dominate in the second half, pushing the reigning champions back but failing to find a way past Martínez. Argentina struggled to create a single move in Spain’s final third and became the first World Cup finalist to not register a shot in ninety minutes.

Late in the match, Argentina went down to ten men when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cubarsí. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Lionel Scaloni’s team managed to take the match into extra time.

Extra-time started with another outstanding save from Emiliano Martínez, the best player for Argentina, who denied Nico Williams’ header that seemed destined for the bottom corner. A few minutes later, Williams found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up.

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No shots were recorded by Argentina as extra-time progressed. Opportunities for Lionel Messi remained scarce, significantly limiting the team’s ability to counter-attack against Spain.

Spain finally broke the deadlock shortly after the second half commenced when Williams headed a ball back to Ferran Torres, who scored with an emphatic shot past Martínez. This marked Spain’s twentieth attempt on goal.

As seen two years ago on the continental stage, Spain proved to be the deserving champions, showcasing one of the few cohesive styles of play throughout the tournament. Without Lionel Messi’s heroics, Kylian Mbappé remains at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscorers’ ranking, at least for now.

Ligue 1 was represented by four players in the match. Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabián Ruiz added to his trophy collection just two months after winning his second Champions League title and extended his unbeaten streak in international football to fifty matches.

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Having become a key figure in a dominant midfield at club level, Ruiz played a significant role in helping La Roja overrun their opponents in the closing rounds of the World Cup. Although he only started once before the quarter-finals, Ruiz turned in some of his season’s best performances alongside Rodri, who was ultimately named Player of the Tournament.

Facundo Medina, meanwhile, made history as the first Marseille player to appear in a World Cup final in twenty years when he came on in the final twenty minutes.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin – reporting from New York New Jersey stadium