Spain’s tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and ability to adapt during matches have made them the team to corner FIFA World Cup, according to former India internationals.
Former India captain and Dhyan Chand awardee Shabbir Ali said Spain’s ability to disrupt France’s rhythm from the outset proved decisive.
“They completely cut down the supply line. They didn’t allow the French midfield to create chances for Dembele and Mbappe. Once they controlled the midfield, Spain had the upper hand throughout,” Ali told PTI. The former striker was particularly impressed by Spain’s tactical flexibility. “What I liked most was that they didn’t play one-dimensional football.
Sometimes it was short passes, sometimes long balls, sometimes attacks from the wings, and sometimes through the middle. France couldn’t read them.” Ali credited Spain’s collective defending, rather than individual brilliance, for their run to the final. “A goalkeeper’s job is to save goals, and Unai Simon did that well. But the biggest reason was that France hardly created clear-cut chances because Spain defended as a unit.”
Former India women’s captain Aditi Chauhan agreed that Spain’s defensive organisation has been the defining feature of their campaign. “They’ve conceded just one goal in the tournament. Cubarsi has been outstanding, Cucurella has quietly done his job, Rodri’s ball recoveries have been crucial, and Pedro Porro has contributed immensely. Defence wins championships, and Spain has shown exactly that,” she said.