Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense and hard-fought final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, firing home from close range after connecting with a Nico Williams header to finally break Argentina’s resistance in front of a crowd of 80,663.
The victory capped Spain’s impressive campaign and made them the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.
Torres settles tense final
The final failed to produce the attacking spectacle many had expected as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances during regulation time.
Spain, however, looked the more dangerous side throughout, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal forcing crucial saves from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the first half.
Argentina’s hopes suffered a major setback in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Argentina held on to force extra time before Spain finally found the breakthrough.
Substitute Nico Williams rose highest to head the ball into the path of Torres, who struck emphatically past Martinez to hand Spain the lead.
Martinez continued to frustrate Spain with several outstanding saves, including stops from Yamal’s late free-kick and another effort from Williams. Williams also had a goal ruled out after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up.
Spain complete remarkable campaign
Spain’s triumph marked a remarkable turnaround after opening their tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Luis de la Fuente’s side steadily improved as the competition progressed, producing one of the tournament’s standout performances by eliminating favourites France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the final.
The European champions controlled much of the contest, enjoying greater possession and creating the better scoring opportunities while limiting Argentina’s attacking threat.
Argentina fall short in title defence
Argentina entered the final seeking to retain the World Cup they won four years earlier but were unable to repeat their dramatic knockout victories over Cape Verde, Egypt and England.
Veteran captain Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament and inspired Argentina’s run to the final, found little space against Spain’s disciplined defence. The 39-year-old managed only one off-target effort in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was among his side’s standout performers, making several key saves to keep the match level before Torres eventually found the winner in extra time.
Yamal named player of the match
Spain winger Lamine Yamal was named Player of the Match after another influential display. The teenager consistently troubled Argentina’s defence and played a key role in Spain’s attacking play throughout the contest.
