Spain were crowned world champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final on Sunday, securing their second title after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
After dominating large stretches of the match but failing to convert a series of chances, Luis de la Fuente’s side finally found the breakthrough in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres fired home to hand La Roja the trophy and bring an end to Argentina’s reign as world champions.
Spain controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and repeatedly threatening Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Despite their defensive resilience, Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to find space going forward and were unable to test the Spanish goal throughout the match, finishing the final without a single shot on target.
The pattern continued after the break as Spain tightened their grip on the contest, creating the clearest opportunities of the evening but lacking the finishing touch. Argentina, meanwhile, spent most of the second half pinned back in their own half, defending deep against the relentless Spanish pressure.
Argentina’s task became even more difficult in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 92nd minute after receiving his second yellow card of the match. Reduced to 10 men, the defending champions entered extra time increasingly vulnerable.
Spain eventually made their superiority count early in the additional period. After several missed opportunities, Torres finally broke the deadlock with a decisive strike that proved enough to separate the two sides.
The victory completes an unbeaten World Cup campaign for Spain, who add a second world title to the one won in 2010 in South Africa.
