Quote · The Rest Is Football
Spain win the World Cup as Rodri reigns supreme
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Spain: Team of the Century — Fabián Ruiz and 50 Unbeaten Caps
At 18:20 · chapter starts 17:35
With the World Cup in the trophy cabinet, Gary Lineker steps back to place Spain's success in historical perspective: they had won just one major tournament before their modern era — Euro 1964 — and have since won 5 of the last 10 [1] — Gary Lineker "Fabian Ruiz 50 caps, 0 losses: Fabián Ruiz has played 50 games for Spain and has never been on the losing side in any of them." 18:20 . The panel agree this makes them the undisputed team of the century. The conversation then turns to Fabián Ruiz, and the stat that stops everyone in their tracks: 50 caps for Spain, not a single defeat [2] — Gary Lineker "Before their modern era, Spain had won just one major tournament — Euro 1964. Since then, they've won 5 of the last 10. They are, without q…" 17:35 . Alan Shearer and Joe Cole had actually been discussing it in the car on the way to the studio, trying to work out whether it included substitute appearances. It does — full caps. Joe Cole asks whether Ruiz might be the most underrated player in world football: at PSG, the conversation around him is secondary to other names, and yet he has a Champions League, a Euros, and now a World Cup medal. Gary Lineker agrees the World Cup win will change that perception permanently.
Before their modern era, Spain had won just one major tournament — Euro 1964. Since then, they've won 5 of the last 10. They are, without question, the team of this century.
Spain have won 5 of the last 10 major international tournaments, having won just 1 (Euro 1964) before their modern era of dominance.
Fabián Ruiz has played 50 games for Spain without ever losing. He also has a Champions League and now a World Cup. Joe Cole asked whether he might be the most underrated player in world football — and it's hard to argue against.
Fabián Ruiz has played 50 games for Spain and has never been on the losing side in any of them.
Messi almost certainly played his last game for Argentina in this final. The panel felt for him — but agreed the embrace between him and Spain's young stars may be one of football's truly iconic images, a passing of the torch to the next generation.
