Argentina, a team known for their attacking flair, found themselves chasing shadows for the entire first half. Spain’s high-pressing system prevented the Argentines from stringing more than a few passes together. Lionel Messi, the man everyone expected to be the man who would make the difference, was rendered completely ineffective by a resilient Spanish side. Spain’s defensive unit surrounded him every time he touched the ball, ensuring he did not have a single sniff at the goal.
