Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup for the second time on Sunday.
Torres settled a tense and tightly contested final at New York New Jersey Stadium by converting Nico Williams’ headed knockdown from Pedro Porro’s cross, finally beating Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after more than 100 minutes of sustained Spanish pressure.
Spain, champions in 2010, dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities throughout the match but were repeatedly denied by Martínez, who produced a string of outstanding saves to keep Argentina in contention.
Lamine Yamal forced an early stop from Martínez before Mikel Oyarzabal, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri and Nico Williams all tested the Argentine goalkeeper as Spain controlled much of the contest without finding a breakthrough in regulation time.
Argentina struggled to establish their usual attacking rhythm and suffered further setbacks when both starting centre-backs were forced off with injuries. Lisandro Martínez was replaced shortly before halftime, while Cristian Romero departed in the second half.
Lionel Scaloni’s side were also reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card deep into stoppage time at the end of normal time, leaving the defending champions with an uphill battle in extra time.
Spain continued to press after the restart. Williams saw a header saved, Mikel Merino missed narrowly, and both Williams and Torres had efforts ruled out before the decisive breakthrough finally arrived.
Williams rose highest at the far post to head Porro’s delivery back across goal, where Torres met the ball first time and blasted his finish into the roof of the net to spark celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
Argentina, who had scored freely throughout the tournament, struggled to create meaningful chances against Spain’s disciplined defence, with their first attempt on goal not coming until extra time.
The victory secured Spain’s second World Cup crown and completed an impressive campaign in which they conceded only one goal, the fewest by any World Cup-winning team in a single tournament.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón finished the competition with a record seven clean sheets, while head coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest manager to win the men’s World Cup at 65 years and 28 days.
Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí also entered the record books as members of the exclusive group of teenagers to feature in and win a World Cup final.
For Argentina captain Lionel Messi, the defeat ended hopes of retaining the title won in Qatar four years earlier. At 39, he became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final and only the second player after Cafu to feature in three World Cup finals.
Spain’s triumph also made them the first nation to simultaneously hold the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, reinforcing their position at the pinnacle of international football.
(Inputs from FIFA)
