In Spain’s World Cup quarter final match against Belgium, I found it odd that Spain seemingly scrapped a victory. I mean, how could such a strong team barely defeat a lacklustre Belgium? That was until I watched Spain’s semi-final win against France.
Spain’s Suffocating Dominance
When most teams dominate a game, this is reflected by the scoreline where goals accumulate with ease; Spain are different.
Spain remind me of fictional boxer Iwao Shimabukuro from the boxing anime Hajime no Ippo. A fisherman by trade, Shimabukuro had this tactic of wearing out his opponents through a forced, constant barrage of punches causing air to be constantly exhaled and barely inhaled. While Shimabukuro — utilising his extensive lung capacity — is able to endure longer periods of low oxygen, his opponents succumb to the suffocating effect of low oxygen, allowing Shimabukuro to capitalise and win.
At this World Cup, Spain have defeated their opponents by suffocating them with sheer dominance. France, World Cup favourites, were nullified, appearing to be a shell of their former selves at a World Cup where they consistently dominated. I find it so crazy how France can go from dominating every team they’ve played in the tournament to struggling to get a shot on goal.
Argentina’s Magical Reversals
I believed that the winner between Spain and France would win the World Cup, however, during Argentina’s win against England I noticed something I hadn’t before. Argentina have this ability to reverse their fortunes in the dying moments of a match.
Argentina employed this strategy in each of their knockout games of the tournament and it is exceptionally executed. This ability to consistently pull off a reversal tells me that Argentina have just as much of a chance to win the World Cup as Spain do. Given Spain dominate through sheer pressure but not goals, all it’ll take is a bit of magic to score some integral late goals, and what better player than Lionel Messi for the job?
Who will win the 2026 World Cup Final?
A team that dominates its opponents with unparalleled pressure versus a team that waits for the dying moment to pounce; Spain are unstoppable, yet Messi knows a thing or two about breaking down a Spanish defence. This World Cup final has every opportunity to be historic.
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