Unai Simon reveals the plan to contain Argentina's play in the Final

Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón has revealed the tactical strategy employed by the Spanish team to contain Argentina during their decisive World Cup 2026 final. The match, held in Mexico, United States, and Canada, saw Spain triumph over Argentina after a tightly contested battle, securing their second World Cup title in 16 years. Simón, who was named the tournament's best goalkeeper, credited the collective effort of the squad for the victory. The Spanish team had devised a game plan prior to the final, aimed at neutralizing Argentina’s attacking threat, particularly focusing on preventing Lionel Messi from initiating play. “Argentina was a very tough opponent with high intensity and long balls,” Simón said. “It was crucial that they didn’t connect with Leo and that he started building the game. The first half was very tense because nobody wanted to make mistakes.” Simón acknowledged that Spain struggled initially, admitting the first half was not ideal. However, he emphasized that the turning point came around the 70th minute, when Spain began to dominate the match. “There was some fear, the game wasn’t very fluid, but in the second half we gained confidence, advanced, and from the 70th minute onward, we completely controlled the match,” he explained. Spain’s victory marks a historic moment, as it brings back the World Cup trophy to the country for the first time since 2010. This win comes 16 years after their previous championship, making it a significant milestone for Spanish football. The tournament, hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, saw Spain emerge victorious against Argentina in a hard-fought final. Simón expressed gratitude towards the supporters and highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts made throughout the tournament. “We have waited 16 years to achieve this again. It must be absorbed, although right now it isn't. Let everyone enjoy it, see how difficult it has been, and know that we have always counted on your support,” he said. In addition to his individual accolades, Simón received the Golden Glove award, which recognizes the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He credited the entire team for maintaining seven clean sheets during the competition. “I have helped keep seven goalies clean and all of us have worked hard for this. It doesn’t mean I worked harder than others. There are numbers that are very hard to surpass, and I can only thank my teammates,” he concluded. The Spanish team’s success in the final was attributed to the strategic planning and execution under coach Luis de la Fuente. The victory not only secured Spain’s place in history but also reinforced the legacy of past champions such as Vicente Del Bosque and the iconic goals scored by players like Andrés Iniesta. The win was celebrated as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the Spanish national team.