To be honest, I don't think anyone's saying Spain are poor — far from it. They've been the easiest on the eye so far, full stop. My point was more sentimental than critical: having watched World Cups since the 1980s, the overall standard across the tournament feels a step down compared with some of the great eras.
Why it feels different
Maybe it's age talking. You remember the drama, the dominant sides, the world-class individuals who seemed to carry teams on their backs. Italy, Germany, France, Brazil and that old Spain produced squads and players who left a mark. The current crop are talented, yes, but there's a sense of transition — new systems, younger players stepping up, and fewer truly dominant nations.
Style versus substance
Spain's style is a joy to watch. Their shape, passing and tempo have been top drawer. You can see why anyone would back them. But in a stronger era, with more teams firing on all cylinders, they'd have less room to breathe. It's not a knock on them; it's more an observation about the wider landscape of international football right now.
Why the past still feels bigger
Nostalgia plays a part. Big moments stick in the memory and make past tournaments feel larger than life. That said, there's also structural change in the game — different coaching trends, fitness profiles and club vs country tensions — all of which affect how national teams look in a tournament. International football is evolving, and during transitions things can seem a bit muddled.
Still, nothing wrong with enjoying the present. Spain deserve the plaudits, and I'm quietly rooting for them. You can appreciate the football now and miss the old magic at the same time. That's football for you — always changing, always giving us something to talk about.
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