As the final whistle blows on this World Cup, Spain have lifted the trophy for only the second time in their storied history. Sky Sports contributors take a moment to look back on a tournament that dazzled billions of viewers, yet was not without its share of controversy and drama.

**Player of the Tournament – Rodri** Spain’s triumph would have been impossible without the calm, composure and razor‑sharp distribution of their midfield maestro, Rodri. His influence was on full display in the semi‑final against France, where he dictated tempo, broke down attacks and launched precise passes. Over the course of the competition he completed more than one hundred more open‑play passes than any other player, a statistic that underlines his role as the engine room of the Spanish side.

In a tournament where the opposition was often world‑class, Rodri’s consistency and intelligence made him the obvious choice for the player of the tournament. **Goal of the Tournament – Julián Álvarez vs Switzerland** Argentina’s Julián Álvarez produced a goal that will be replayed for years to come.

From a considerable distance he struck the ball with perfect curl, sending it into the top‑right corner as the match entered extra‑time. The pressure of a knockout fixture, the fatigue of 120 minutes and the sheer magnitude of the occasion make this strike stand out as a moment of pure class. **Moment of the Tournament – Messi’s Hat‑Trick Against Algeria** For many fans in the United Kingdom the match started at an ungodly hour, but those who stayed up were rewarded with a masterclass.

Lionel Messi netted three times against Algeria, a performance that left no doubt about his claim to the title of the greatest ever. The early‑morning kickoff was more than worth it; the Argentine captain illuminated the global stage with his unrivalled skill and poise. **Game of the Tournament – Argentina 3‑2 Cape Verde** While the Mexico‑England clash will always be remembered as a cinematic thriller, the encounter between Argentina and Cape Verde deserves equal praise.

The tiny island nation, the lowest‑ranked side ever to reach the knockout phase, pushed the defending champions to the brink. Their spirited display, combined with a dramatic finish, encapsulated the magic of the World Cup. **Breakout Star – Pau Cubarsi** Much of the pre‑tournament buzz centred on Morocco’s prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi, yet it was Spain’s 19‑year‑old defender Pau Cubarsi who truly stole the spotlight. Already regarded as one of the best young players in his position, Cubarsi showed composure beyond his years, excelling both in possession and defensively.

His performances were a reminder that the future of Spanish football is in safe hands. **Biggest Disappointment – Balogun Red‑Card Overturn** The reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card after the United States’ last‑16 loss to Belgium sparked outrage.

Critics called the decision a mockery of the sport and an example of political interference tarnishing an otherwise spectacular tournament. The incident underscored how off‑field controversies can eclipse on‑field achievements. **Player of the Tournament – Lionel Messi** Fans were privileged to witness a final flourish from arguably the greatest player the game has ever known. Messi’s influence was decisive in guiding Argentina to another final, and his presence on the pitch always guaranteed a chance of victory.

**Goal of the Tournament – Harry Kane vs DR Congo** Kane’s strike against the Democratic Republic of Congo summed up what makes him an elite finisher. A half‑yard adjustment and a clean finish turned a routine chance into a winning goal, highlighting his lethal efficiency in crucial moments.

**Moment of the Tournament – Ecuador’s Upset Over Germany** The burst of colour and energy from Ecuador’s victory over the German powerhouse was a highlight for many neutral fans. Their winning goal not only secured a place in the knockout stage but also demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the competition. **Game of the Tournament – Mexico 2‑3 England** After a decade of live‑blogging for Sky Sports, I thought I’d seen it all.

Yet England’s dramatic comeback at the iconic Azteca Stadium, played under challenging conditions, will remain one of the most memorable matches of my career. The blend of tension, skill and sheer drama made it a classic. **Breakout Star – Ayyoub Bouaddi** Bouaddi became only the second 18‑year‑old to represent Morocco at a World Cup, delivering composed performances in central midfield that belied his age. His maturity and vision marked him as a future star on the world stage.

**Biggest Disappointment – High‑Profile Managers** Renowned coaches Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelo Bielsa and Mauricio Pochettino all suffered early exits, unable to translate their club successes into World Cup glory. Their premature departures highlighted the unique challenges of tournament football. **Goal of the Tournament – Wilson Isidor vs Morocco** Isidor’s long‑range effort against Morocco was a textbook example of a strike from distance. The ball curled into the top corner, earning a place among the tournament’s most spectacular goals.

**Moment of the Tournament – Cape Verde Reach the Round of 32** A goalless draw with Saudi Arabia secured Cape Verde’s place in the knockout phase, setting up a thrilling tie with Argentina. Their joyous celebrations reminded everyone why the World Cup remains a celebration of hope and possibility. **Breakout Star – Elliot Anderson** Already known to Premier League followers, Anderson cemented his reputation as a reliable international midfielder. Though not flawless, his performances displayed the quality required at the highest level.

**Biggest Disappointment – Uruguay** Uruguay’s campaign was a disaster from start to finish. From Marcelo Bielsa’s refusal to face the cameras in pre‑tournament press conferences to a group‑stage exit with only two points, the team failed to qualify as one of the best third‑place finishers. **Goal of the Tournament – Sidny Lopes Cabral vs Argentina** Cabral’s equaliser for Cape Verde against the reigning champions was a moment of pure magic.

Cutting in from the left, he evaded Alexis Mac Allister, entered the box and curled a beautiful shot into the top‑right corner, forcing extra‑time. **Moment of the Tournament – Vozinha’s Interview** In a world saturated with negative headlines, the emotional interview with 40‑year‑old goalkeeper Vozinha, who wept while wishing his mother could watch his World Cup debut, provided a heartfelt reminder of the human side of football. **Biggest Disappointment – USA** The United States entered the tournament with limited goodwill, yet quickly won fans worldwide with an attractive style and a likable coach.

However, political interference surrounding Balogun’s red card and subsequent FIFA decisions led to a premature exit against Belgium, erasing much of the goodwill they had built. **Overall Reflection** From Rodri’s midfield mastery to Messi’s final curtain call, from Cape Verde’s fairy‑tale run to the controversial overturning of a red card, this World Cup delivered a rich tapestry of triumph, heartbreak and unforgettable moments.

It reinforced why the tournament continues to captivate the globe, offering both sporting excellence and stories that transcend the pitch.