As the international football showcase reaches its climax, Head Coach of the Black Maidens, Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa has broken down the defining moments, standout stars, and major disappointments of the tournament. In an exclusive interview on ICAD TV on Score Board, the tactician offered a comprehensive assessment of the world's finest teams, pointing to Spain's collective brilliance and Rodri's instrumental dominance as key highlights of the competition.

Coach Adarkwa noted that while FIFA awarded the tournament's best player to Luka Modrić, his personal expectation had centered on Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé. However, pointing to Spain's structural supremacy, he emphasized that Rodri ultimately earned the distinction through his unmatched control in the heart of the pitch. "Rodri, you check and he's ahead of them; he controlled the game on his own,".

Coach Adakwa stated, that Spain won because they played well together as a team, using the passing style taught by Barcelona. This teamwork was much more effective than relying on a few star players. He said Portugal was a huge disappointment on the world stage. Even though they had many talented players, they failed to play well together as a team to support an aging Cristiano Ronaldo in what might be his last chance to win the big trophy.

He concluded that 39-year-old Lionel Messi still played brilliantly, scoring eight goals to carry his team to the final. He also praised Spain's strong defense, which kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, proving they have what it takes to dominate international football for the next four years.

Edited by Deborah Naaki Dowuona.