Fans hailed the performance of left-back Marc Cucurella in Spain's 1-0 extra time win over holders Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday (July 19) in New Jersey.
Cucurella, 27, kept Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi quiet as the holders couldn't manage a shot on the La Roja goal in regulation time. The newly signed Real Madrid defender won one tackle and 3/6 ground duels, and made two interceptions and five recoveries (as per Sofascore at the time of writing).
He was also productive up front, delivering two crosses and making 69/79 passes, making 16 carries and one progressive one, impressing fans:
Following a goalless 90 minutes - with the Albiceleste reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez's stoppage time dismissal - substitute Nico Wlliams set up fellow substitute Ferran Torres for the winner in the 106th minute as La Roja become the world champions for the second time.
Following their 1-0 extra time win over 10-man holders Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, La Roja players swept the Young Player of the Tournament, Golden Glove and Golden Ball awards.
Defender Pau Cubarsi, 19, one of only five teenagers to start a FIFA World Cup final won the Young Player of the Tournament accolade, playing every minute of every game, logging over 750 minutes minutes of game time, helping keep seven clean sheets.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon picked up the Golden Glove award, another La Roja player who played every minute of every game. The only goal he conceded was in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
Finally, captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award, adding to his impressive collection of Ballon d'Or, Champions League, four-time Premier League, Euros and the World Cup.
Spain become the seventh team to win the FIFA World Cup twice, joining Italy and Uruguay as the only sides to win their first two finals, having won their first in 2010, beating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time.
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