Eric Garcia says Ferran Torres World Cup final winner ‘no coincidence’ as Barcelona defender targets Champions League glory

Eric Garcia insists Ferran Torres’ decisive goal in the World Cup final was the product of meticulous psychological preparation rather than chance, as the Barcelona defender reflected on becoming a world champion and set his sights on winning the Champions League with his club.

Garcia, 25, was one of eight Barcelona players to lift the World Cup and is currently on holiday after his international exploits. He spoke to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE about the mental work behind his and Torres’ rise to the top of the game, and how he experienced his first minutes at a World Cup – in the final itself.

The centre-back, who shared a psychologist with Torres during the build-up, underlined how much their off‐pitch efforts contributed to Spain’s global triumph and to Torres scoring the goal that clinched the title.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, I can put myself and Ferran in this category, because we have become used to everything,” Garcia said. “Our job is to play football and I think that is a privilege. I have always said things can go better or worse, but you must always be present and in the right frame of mind. In the end, it is not a coincidence that he scored the goal that gave us the World Cup in this case.”

Garcia also admitted he had been moved by the reception the national team received during the celebrations, saying the affection from supporters during the title festivities left a deep impression on the squad.

‘I was ready all month – the chance came in the final’

Garcia’s debut appearance at a World Cup came on the biggest stage of all, when he was called upon in the final. The defender explained that he had prepared throughout the tournament in case his opportunity arrived at any moment.

“I was ready throughout the month in case the chance came at any time and, look, in the end it came in the final,” he said. “We managed to win it, which was everyone’s objective. We were all there to contribute, whether it was our turn to play or not. I always told the coach I was ready for anything he asked of me.”

The Barcelona player stressed that the squad accepted their individual roles, with those on the fringes determined to support the starting XI and be prepared to step in when required.

The moment Spain believed

Garcia revealed there was a specific point in the final when the team began to feel the World Cup was within their grasp.

He said the mood shifted after the opposition went down to 10 men and changed their shape to a more defensive set-up.

He recalled: “That came after Enzo was sent off, and at the moment they took Julian off and brought on an extra defender.”

According to Garcia, those changes convinced Spain’s players that the balance of the match had tilted decisively in their favour and that they were closing in on the title.

Next target: Champions League with Barcelona

Having added the World Cup to an already impressive personal honours list, Garcia is clear about the next objective of his career: lifting the Champions League trophy with Barcelona.

“Yes, yes,” he replied when asked if winning Europe’s premier club competition with Barca was now his main ambition. “Obviously I cannot complain about the list of honours I have up to today. Every player wants to win and to lift trophies, and that is why we are here.”

The defender underlined that his hunger for silverware remains undimmed despite his recent global success, and that he views Barcelona as the platform to achieve even more.

Garcia also confirmed his short off‐season will soon be over. The Spain international said he is scheduled to report back for pre-season training with Barcelona on 12 August, as he switches focus from his World Cup triumph to the club campaign ahead.