World Cup win for Spain over Argentina is a triumph for the Spanish style and their commitment to possession football

It was not the thrilling final of four years ago, or even the carefree goal-fest of the previous evening but Spain still deserve enormous credit for dethroning Argentina in one of the more one-sided World Cup finals in memory. This was utter domination.

Ferran Torres scored the winner from the twentieth shot of the match - and every single one of them came from Spain. They made 400 more passes, playing the game in Argentina's half long before a frustrated Enzo Fernandez left his team down to 10 men.

While it had been billed as Lionel Messi's grand exit, his glorious swansong, the legendary No 10 may as well have been watching the game from the stands. He was a passenger until Argentina belatedly tried and failed to conjure an undeserved equaliser.

They were passed off the pitch. Spain had shown they were the best side at this World Cup when vanquishing France in the semi-final. In seeing off Argentina and keeping another clean sheet, their control of the opposition underlined what sets them apart.

Admittedly, the goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opener was an inauspicious start. But even that performance, for which neither Lamine Yamal nor Nico Williams were fit to start, showed the hallmarks of the passing game that proved incomparable.

Spain had 74 per cent of the possession in that one. Luis de la Fuente's team had more possession in all eight of their matches at this World Cup. Keeping the ball proved an incredibly effective defensive weapon. They only conceded one goal all tournament.

Rodri provides much of the control in midfield, Aymeric Laporte playing a key role behind him in defence. But while Rodri was named player of the tournament, just as he had been at Euro 2024, Spain's success cannot be explained by any one individual.