Spain are two-time football champions of the world, and boy did they deserve it.
Luis de la Fuente’s side got off to a slow start but then taught favourites France a lesson in the semi-finals.
Then, despite getting kicked and annoyed by the referee against Argentina, they saw off the reigning champions for their second win after 2010.
Ferran Torres’ extra time goal sealed the deal, and he was one of the first to speak after the final whistle.
foot.mundo has put together his, and the champion’s best quotes from the final in New Jersey…
Torres thanks God and credits Spanish public
Ferran Torres: “The goal belonged to 47 million people. It wasn’t mine, nor the 26 of us here. Destiny had it written. It was meant to be our victory.
“All finals are difficult; with Messi on the opposing team, there’s always nervousness. We’ve always depended on ourselves and playing our own game, and today we proved that.
“I have been heavily criticised throughout the World Cup, but destiny is written and God always gives things to those who deserve them most.
“Each of us has had our moments during the tournament. It’s been a tough World Cup on a personal level. I left everything in God’s hands, and He gave me this goal today.
“We’re not fully aware of what we’ve just achieved. I just want to grab the trophy and squeeze it.”
Rodri pays tribute to Argentina
Rodri: “It’s amazing. The team has been sensational. We’re two-time world champions. We were able to beat an Argentina side that I deeply respect, with the best player of all time.
“The secret of this team is that it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. You have to be brave in life, and in the end, the reward comes.
“I would love for the younger generations to see that a player who reaches the top and then falls can turn things around. I’m an example of that, of believing in yourself.
“You cherish the moments when the people who love you are there for you. I’ve felt the support of everyone. The affection of the people in Spain… I feel very loved.”
De la Fuente already looks to the future
Luis de la Fuente: “We are world champions. I’m happy and proud of the players. We’ve closed a very important chapter.
“We’ve won in every category. We’ve gotten this far thanks to their footballing talent.
“This is a team with a long future ahead. We’re already thinking about that, and I’m happy.
“I’m thinking of my parents and my brother who are no longer with us. Of all my family, my friends and teammates. And of a country that has rallied behind this team.
“It was a World Cup final. We should have wrapped it up earlier. Only Dibu’s saves prevented it. Winning is hard-won, and that’s why it’s so important to value it.”
Simon on Spain’s secret
Unai Simón: “We’ve shown our mettle and remained true to the idea we had from the first match. It’s very important to maintain that idea, and it was that intensity and consistency that led us to win the World Cup. We are world champions, but in that first match against Cape Verde, it’s important to manage the emotions of the opening game. We struggled in that regard, but then we loosened up. The victory against Saudi Arabia was invaluable, and against Uruguay, we showed what we wanted to do. And the rest is history.”
Nico Williams on the perfect end to an awful year
Nico Williams: “It’s been a shitty year, and to be world champion is crazy. I’d retire from the national team right now if it were up to me. Just kidding. I was going way too fast.
“After the self-pass, I just shut down because I was completely exhausted. I didn’t see Lamine Yamal, who told me he was alone.”
Oyarzabal was crying his eyes out
Mikel Oyarzabal: “We’re not fully aware of what we’ve achieved and its magnitude. Winning it back-to-back with the European Championship. It’s going to take some time to process. There’s happiness and pride.
“My five goals? What will go down in history is the second star. I’m so happy for Ferran. Just like Iniesta’s goal, Ferran’s goal is so special. I was crying my eyes out, but now I’m calm and enjoying it with my family and friends.”
Porro says Spain were animals
Pedro Porro: “From the first minute of this World Cup until today, the 125th minute of extra time, we competed like animals. It’s been a spectacle.”
Álex Baena: “I knew I was going to have my chance at this World Championship. I took advantage of it and I’m very happy, especially after this year of suffering (…) Seeing our day-to-day life and the teammates I have, and how good they are, I knew 99% that we were going to win it.”
Pau Cubarsí: “You see the two stars and you don’t realize what we’ve done: We’ve made history!”
Yéremy Pino: “I’m very happy for Nico and Ferran, they both deserved it. They’ve been fully committed to the group . We were relaxed after the Cape Verde game, but in the next match we showed our true level.”
Álex Grimaldo: “We were far superior and we knew that sooner or later the ball was going to go in. We expected a match like this because we know the fighting spirit of Argentina (…) I’m missing a Champions League title with Atleti, you have to be ambitious and I’m really eager.”
Borja Iglesias: “The dominance has been overwhelming. We have a great team. We also had it against Cape Verde, even if some didn’t think so (…) We’ve spent four days telling ourselves that we had to play football, to play our own game. And that’s what we did. We’re very happy.”
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