Spain steals show in grand showdown!
After witnessing a 10-goal thriller between England and France in the bronze medal play-off, football fans, with bated breath, waited for the grand showdown between Argentina, the holder of the CONMEBOL Copa America, and Spain, the holder of the Euro 2024 title. The last time Spain reached the final was way back in 2010 when the La Roja beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg and Andreas Iniesta scored the winning goal with a thunderous strike. Argentina, being the holder of the World Cup title, badly wanted to be the third nation after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1954 and 1962) to defend the WC trophy, but it wasn’t their day. Ironically when Spain won the 2010 WC title, they also held the Euro 2008 title. Hence, history repeated itself as the Kings of Europe conquered the world and seized their second star. Just like Iniesta, Ferran Torres delivered an exceptional shot that shook Argentina’s net and sent Spanish fans into frenzy. The match statistics were in favour of Spain. The La Roja enjoyed 68 per cent possession and had 11 shots on target compared to Argentina who had zero shots on target. Spain could have netted more goals, but, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made some daring saves. Spain controlled the match, with Rodri showing his quality. Furthermore, hats off to the stubborn Spanish defence- they conceded only one goal in eight matches, and as Spain celebrated, Lionel Messi’s joy of reaching a back-to-back final turned into despair as Rodri edged him for the World Cup Player of the Tournament Award and Kylian Mbappe walked away with the Golden Boot Award. Spain’s Unai Simon and Pau Cubarsi took away the Golden Glove and Best Young Player Awards, respectively. The WC is over. It’s a pity that we won’t be watching anymore football matches until the league starts in Europe. Played miles away from Fiji, the WC united fans as they cheered for their teams. Although Fiji did not take part, there was no shortage of drama and excitement. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
World champions
THE European Cup Champions lived up to their name and overcame the reigning FIFA World Cup Champions, Argentina, 1-0 in extra time of the FIFA World Cup. Spain matured as the games progressed. Their passing was mesmerising, their defense was rock solid and their attack knew no boundaries. Their bench had quality impact players and that was evident when Williams and Torres came in. It was quick thinking and eagle eyed Williams who directed the header to the feet of Torres who fired the colorful ball into the back of the net in extra time. Finally, the great Argentine Martinsz was beaten and so was the hopes of jam packed Argentina fans. Majority of the fans had come to see their idol Messi and hoped that the master of football would lift the coveted WC trophy. It was not Messi’s day as he was well marked and thus starved of quality balls. On the other hand, Spain’s number 19, 19-year-old Yamine Yamal had a field day, showing his speed, dribbling skills and left footer curling shots. It was a delight to watch the wonder kid. He will definitely savour this win for many years to come. For the Argentina fans, it was despair. For the Spaniards it was joy and a momentous occasion as Spain had lifted the World Cup for the second time in history. And that too in front of the USA President, Donald Trump. Bravo! Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Nothing to do with Fiji
With the ongoing debate about a national identity, the President has suggested that the first nations people be known as Kai Viti. In that case, Sukha Singh has suggested that he would like to be known as Kaindia. So, the word “Fijian” is now redundant. It is a mispronounced word anyway, coined by the colonialists which has stuck for more than 200 years. People do not realise that the whole country is named after a mispronounced word. So why do people take this name with a lot of passion and emotion when it has nothing to do with the country or its tradition, culture and language? It simply does not make any sense to me, but in Fiji there is logic — the Fijian logic, which is unique and works in strange ways. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Record speaks
Savenaca Narube trying to dismiss Professor Biman Prasad’s economic credentials is an interesting choice, considering the records speak for themselves. Mr Narube may be a former governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, but that title alone does not put him anywhere near the record and standing of Hon Biman Prasad as an economist. Prof Biman has built an internationally recognised career through decades of academic work, research, publications, and economic leadership (Mr Google can tell you that). Prof Biman sits among respected economics professors and economists around the world who have gone on to serve as Prime Ministers, Presidents of nations as well as Ministers of Finance and national leaders. His record as an economist, and he was one of Fiji’s minister of finance and deputy prime minister, speaks for itself. If Mr Narube Googles or checks on ChatGPT he will find those list of economics professors. The truth is Mr Narube is not even an inch near Prof Biman’s record as an economist. Instead of comparing achievements, he seems more focused on attacking someone whose credentials and international recognition are already established. Mr Narube may have been a governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, but that does not automatically make him an economist who has set international standards like Prof Biman. A position is one thing; a global reputation and contribution to economics is another. After two elections of trying to cross the 5 per cent threshold and failing, perhaps the focus should be on building public confidence rather than questioning the credentials of someone whose record is already recognised. Simple fact — if you don’t know theory — you won’t know policies — no wonder Mr Narube proposes revaluation of Fiji dollar to address cost of living issues? Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
Independence stance
Tempting, that’s what I would call it. Leaping at the grant allocated for media organisations would be a natural reaction by media houses. The Fiji Times has abstained. Please maintain your independence for good. Donald Singh Nausori
Perseverance, self-belief
Congratulations team Spain on defying all odds and achieving victory against star-studded Argentina. The day and week belongs to Spain but an important message also for our Flying Fijians. Reputation is an asset but perseverance and self-belief on the field is what separates the winners and losers. For now, I am so glad that my favourite team Spain are declared the world champions. This also makes world soccer more interesting. I look forward to our Flying Fijians growing in confidence. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
The final
World Cup 2026 Final: Spain 1 versus Argentina 0. Spain not only won they won in sublime style. Argentina not only lost they did not look like the reigning WC champion. Spain is a most worthy world champion of the beautiful game. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Fair game
With Spain’s possession play, it would’ve been unfair if Spain had not won the World Cup. They surely deserved the win. Even Messi’s 116th minute attempt was stopped. Argentina was a worthy contender. Definitely, it was a World Cup final. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Spain are champions
Argentina could have performed better had they been able to coordinate well from the beginning to the end. Some good-performing players were not brought to the scene. Anyway, the World Cup fever is all over for the next four years. Congrats Spain, though I love Argentina, Spain played very well and deserved the title! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Fiji rugby
Fiji did exceptionally well against Scotland with a deficit of 16, in my view. It should have done much better, but I think over enthusiasm gave penalties away, that should have been its advantage. However, Fiji has been and always been closely observed, I am certain, for any illegal play, than any other team. And when rugby’s disciplinary aspects are not adhered to, I believe, any team can be dismantled by its opponents, during a match. And, with the quality of players currently available, such incidents at Tier 1 level have to be seriously controlled, at all costs. So far, Fiji has incurred the most deficit points in the championship, with 65, even though Wales didn’t score any point against SA. In fact, where Fiji rugby is today is the result of those who have sincerely sacrificed for the course, in my opinion. And, it would not be honourable, in my view, to let it decline so easily. The Bible advises that our faith empowers our responsibilities. (Mark 11:22-24 KJV). Samu Silatolu Nakasi
One-zero scoreline
And so the greatest sporting event ever, finishes with a good, although not outstanding game. Let’s hope this is the last time it is held in America. The increased number of teams, from 32 to 48, decreased the overall standard of matches. I believe there were teams playing that were not up to standard, although Cape Verde with only half a million people drew all their first round matches including against Spain the final winner and pushed Argentina to a 3-2 result. There were problems from the American viewpoint, holding games in the heat, the President successfully asking for a red card decision to be reviewed, and the booing of President Trump at the final. The half time entertainment included many stars who didn’t have enough time to really perform but took too much time for the break. This may have highlighted football to the world but there were lowlights as well. Dennis Fitzgerald Box Hill, Vic., Australia
Liveable wage
No environment in the past, present or future illustrates how money controls our behaviour quite as well as a minimum wage job. Fiji’s minimum wage has never truly been a living wage. Over time, it has done less to reflect the true value of workers and no longer supports families in a way that promotes health and keeps them out of poverty. $5 per hour is what the Government thinks an average person needs to live a healthy life. What a joke! This falls far short of what I estimate to be a living wage. The gap between wages and cost of living expenses widens each year. The current government should do something momentous. Raise the minimum wage not for political gain, but because it is right to try and bring the benefits of growth to all parts of society. The minimum wage should at least be almost matching the living wage. First is to work out a true living wage that supports basic standard of living without food and housing insecurity. Living wage should be viewed as an entry point to the conversation about wages — the amount necessary just to get by. Sadly, the wealthy are getting wealthier, yet our working class continues with wages not nearly enough to cover the basics. It is immoral in our advanced society that such inequality not only exists but is so prevalent. We are a moral and decent society, and we should not allow this indignity to continue. Mr Government sir, the minimum wage should be raised to meet the true cost of living. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
