Spain's lucky coin strikes again! Capdevila's 2010 ritual revived by Cucurella before WC final

Some traditions are too powerful to abandon.

As Spain celebrated their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating Argentina in Sunday's final, former La Roja defender Joan Capdevila revealed that one of the team's most memorable superstitions from 2010 had been brought back to life.

"And now, I'll let you in on a secret..." Capdevila wrote on social media.

"Back in 2010, I buried a coin in the grass before the match started. I've told that story a million times. I asked Marc Cucurella to do the same thing yesterday... Marc, I love you so much. YOU'RE A WORLD CHAMPION!"

Whether it was destiny, coincidence or simply football magic, the ritual delivered once again. Just as it did in Johannesburg 16 years ago, Spain lifted the World Cup trophy after another tense final, with Cucurella becoming the latest player to keep Capdevila's quirky tradition alive.

Ironically, Capdevila almost wasn't there to witness it.

The former left-back endured an unexpected bureaucratic nightmare before travelling to the United States, where he had planned to attend the final. His application for visa-free entry was rejected because he had taken part in an exhibition match in Iran a decade ago.

The situation became so complicated that Capdevila publicly appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on social media, while also tagging Spain's Ministry of Sport in hopes of resolving the issue.

Fortunately for the World Cup winner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection later confirmed that it had reviewed his request, allowing him to enter the country in time for the showpiece event.

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That meant Capdevila not only watched Spain become world champions once again, but also saw his famous lucky coin ritual produce another perfect ending.

Safe to say, Marc Cucurella now has one more superstition he'll probably never dare to break.