Havana, July 19 (RHC) – And 103 matches later, the crown is up for grabs. The current king enters the fray against all odds
The contender to dethrone him for the next four years is doing so for only the second time in history. There are no more secrets, although doubts among the main players always surface.
Argentina played in its first World Cup final almost a century ago. The defeat became a mere footnote when, in 1978, they returned to the match of dreams, this time to celebrate in grand style and on home soil. Maradona delivered another star, coming close to another in 1990.
From then on, days of failure and dates of shattered dreams accumulated. The summer of 2014 is etched in the memory of the Albiceleste as a great missed opportunity for a unique generation. For some, revenge took almost a decade, but it tasted like total liberation.
Many considered Messi’s last chance to complete an unparalleled trophy collection. He and several new faces weren’t among the top favorites. The days and rounds passed until they faced the formidable France of Mbappé. The story is well-known, and the title fell with the usual tense atmosphere of the Argentine flag.
On North American soil, the journey didn’t go unnoticed by critics and neutrals alike. Every assist or every goal drew criticism from the other side. Opponents with little experience, but nonetheless threatening the objective of a Lionel Scaloni hungry for more.
Knowing how to react has been a constant, regardless of the opponent. Surviving in the final stages is a risky endeavor on the opposing turf. However, Spain presents itself as an impenetrable wall, a machine of control. They suffocate their opponent for as long as necessary on the pitch.
With less history, but the same desire to add another title to their crest. So many generations have coined the famous phrase: “We played like never before and lost as always.” But Vicente del Bosque, at the helm of the “little guys,” changed everything.
South Africa was the perfect stage for a masterpiece on the pitch. Villa’s goals, Iker’s saves, and the Iniesta of my life. A historic era with two European Championships. A feat begun by another Don Luis, and now De la Fuente can equal it if he triumphs in New York and London in 2028.
