All posts tagged: European champions

‘I know their players and philosophy very well’

‘I know their players and philosophy very well’

Published by Webster

3 min readJul 16, 2026 09:29 AM IST For the first time in history, the reigning Copa America winners will take on the defending European champions in a World Cup final. The possibility of a Spain versus Argentina final had partially disappeared when England opened the scoring in the semi-final against the reigning world champions, until Lionel Messi & Co. hit a frenetic gear late on Wednesday night in Atlanta. Messi’s sparkling movement powered Argentina back from the brink yet again as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez converted the assists from their captain to etch a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Three Lions. Entering a record-equalling third final, Messi will face Spain for the first time in his World Cup career, a country that forged his genius for the better part of the last two decades. ALSO READ | King of World Cup knockouts: All records Messi broke in ARG vs ENG semifinal Speaking after the win over England, Messi hailed Spain’s unique style of football. The FC Barcelona legend also revealed that he continues …

Spain are World Cup ‘favourites’ despite knockout woes, says Grimaldo

Spain are World Cup ‘favourites’ despite knockout woes, says Grimaldo

Published by Parlour News

Alex Grimaldo believes Spain can emulate their Golden Generation by winning the World Cup two years after being crowned European champions. Spain are World Cup ‘favourites’ despite knockout woes, says Grimaldo The Bayer Leverkusen left-back was part of the squad that dazzled in Germany in 2024, beating the hosts and richly talented France and England sides to win the trophy. But La Roja have not won a World Cup knockout game since Andres Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 final. An ageing squad, who had won the Euros in 2008 and 2012, crashed out in the group stage at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and failed to get past the last 16 in Russia and Qatar. However, blessed with the prodigious talent of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, the European champions arrive in the United States in top form. Excluding penalties, Luis de la Fuente’s side are unbeaten in 31 competitive games stretching back to March 2023. Spain will face tournament debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H. “I see us as favourites,” …