Spain's World Cup victory was a masterclass in team execution, showcasing a collective identity, class, and unwavering confidence that former England striker Michael Owen believes England possesses the talent to match. Despite not having the same depth of superstar talent as some other nations, Spain's ability to perform consistently and seamlessly integrate substitutions demonstrated their status as deserving champions.
Owen lauded Spain's tactical discipline, highlighting their movement, one-touch passing, and courage to play through pressure. He noted that their performance in the final, a goalless affair after 90 minutes, should not detract from their outstanding display, as they "barely gave Argentina a kick and did not concede a shot in 90 minutes." This marked a stark contrast to Argentina's "awful performance" in the final, which Owen felt was a "frustrating reminder" that England, who lost to Argentina in the semi-finals, should have been present.
"We beat ourselves," Owen stated, suggesting that England's positive tournament was undermined by a mindset of "survival" after a fortunate escape against Mexico. He believes that if England had approached the Argentina match with the same trust in their abilities as seen in other games, they could have posed a greater challenge to Spain, even if Spain might still have ultimately prevailed.
Rodri, named Player of the Tournament, was singled out by Owen as the world's leading holding midfielder, emphasizing his bravery, desire to receive the ball in tight spaces, and ability to dictate play. Owen noted that Rodri's influence extends beyond defensive duties, as Spain trusts him to contribute offensively and elevate the performance of those around him.
Beyond the on-field performance, Owen offered critiques of tournament organization and technology. He suggested that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) serves as an invaluable, albeit under-appreciated, deterrent against unsportsmanlike conduct, citing Argentina's potential actions without such oversight. He also criticized FIFA's organizational decisions, such as the extended half-time interval and water breaks, arguing that they disrupt the flow and rhythm of the game. "The football has to come first," he asserted.
Owen also addressed the expansion of the World Cup, acknowledging the success of introducing new nations but lamenting the diminished jeopardy in the group stages and the difficulty in comparing historical achievements due to increased game numbers and potentially weaker opposition. He suggested further expansion to 64 nations but advocated for the removal of third-placed teams advancing from groups to preserve the knockout stages' spectacle.