As the World Cup concludes, Daily Mail Sport experts have shared their reflections on the tournament's most memorable moments, controversial incidents, and overall experiences.
Spain emerged as the champions, securing a dramatic victory in New Jersey. The tournament spanned over 104 games across 16 host cities, featuring notable performances from teams like Cape Verde and Norway, while traditional powerhouses such as England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Brazil faced disappointment.
Tournament Highlights and Lowlights
Among the best moments cited by the experts was the atmosphere in Mexico City following England's victory, described as heartwarming, with locals congratulating England supporters. Another highlight was the scene at the Azteca Stadium after the final whistle, creating a special event for England followers. The passion of Norwegian fans, with players like Erling Haaland engaging in drumming, was also noted as a tournament standout. The dignity shown by Japan after their defeat to Brazil was also praised.
However, the tournament also saw its share of negative experiences. One expert recounted witnessing a shooting in Boston after Paraguay eliminated Germany, calling it a scarring episode. The aggressive behavior of some Argentina fans towards England supporters after a semi-final match was described as deplorable. A controversial moment involved the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban after receiving a red card, which was reportedly influenced by a phone call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This intervention raised concerns about the tournament's integrity.
Standout Performances and Goals
In terms of individual brilliance, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham were frequently cited as standout players. Messi's continued impact at 39 years old was described as phenomenal, while Bellingham was lauded for delivering consistently for England, scoring seven goals from midfield and producing heroic performances. Kylian Mbappe was also highlighted for his radiance, leadership, and goal-scoring quality.
Notable goals included Sidny Cabral's equalizer for Cape Verde against Argentina, described as a strike of exquisite beauty. Jude Bellingham's early goal against Mexico and Julian Alvarez's extra-time stunner against Switzerland also received mentions for their impact and execution.
Stadiums, Cities, and Cuisine
Experts offered varied opinions on the tournament's venues and host cities. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City was frequently praised for its iconic status and historic significance, though the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was noted for its modern architecture and facilities. Conversely, the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was criticized as soulless and uninspiring, with a grim design and a less than ideal location.
Host cities also drew mixed reviews. Kansas City was celebrated for its incredible hospitality and warm welcome, while Seattle was appreciated for its beautiful setting and vibrant atmosphere. New Jersey, however, was described as awful with little to offer, and Miami was a city some experts vowed never to return to.
The culinary experiences varied as well. Favorites included barbecue in Kansas City, chicken shawarma in Miami, and Italian food in Boston. Less memorable were the overpriced and often beige food options found in some press boxes, and a stale sandwich in Miami.
Managerial and Match Reflections
Among the managers, Spain's Luis de la Fuente was recognized for his tactical masterclass in a victory over France. Argentina's Lionel Scaloni was praised for his calm demeanor and success in leading his team to back-to-back finals, and Cape Verde's Pedro Leitao Brito was lauded for exceeding expectations with his team's performance.
The match between England and Mexico was described as iconic and having everything, while Spain's dominant performance against France was noted for its midfield masterclass. The dramatic comeback by Argentina against Egypt was also highlighted as a captivating match.