Spain beat Argentina to lift second FIFA World Cup trophy after 16 years
Substitute Ferran Torres delivers decisive blow after tense and dramatic 120-minute final
NEW YORK – Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and sealing Spain's first World Cup triumph since their historic victory in South Africa in 2010.
The victory capped a remarkable tournament for Luis de la Fuente's side, who finished unbeaten and produced another disciplined display to end Argentina's reign as world champions.
Spain dominate
Spain controlled possession and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, creating the better chances while Argentina struggled to establish any attacking rhythm.
Lionel Messi's side spent much of the evening defending deep as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez repeatedly denied Spain with a series of outstanding saves to keep the match scoreless throughout normal time. Spain finished with 20 shots, while Argentina failed to register a shot on target during the match.
Spain thought they had broken the deadlock during regulation time, only for the effort to be ruled out following a foul in the build-up, ensuring the final remained goalless after 90 minutes and headed into extra time.
Torres delivers
The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second period of extra time.
Nico Williams met Pedro Porro's cross with a clever header into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly slotted past Martínez from close range to spark wild celebrations among the Spain supporters.
Argentina's task had already become more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time, leaving the defending champions to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Messi attempted one final effort in the closing minutes, but Spain comfortably saw out the remaining stages to secure football's biggest prize.
Heartbreak for Messi
The result denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in what could be the final World Cup appearance of his extraordinary career.
At 39, Messi became the oldest outfield player to appear in a men's World Cup final and the first player to start three World Cup finals, but the Argentine captain was unable to inspire another famous comeback.
For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, defeat also ended hopes of becoming only the second manager to guide a men's national team to consecutive World Cup titles.
Spain's triumph marked the culmination of a new golden generation led by Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Mikel Oyarzabal, while manager Luis de la Fuente added the World Cup to an already impressive list of achievements.
La Roja also became the first nation to win the men's World Cup since 2010 and underlined their status as one of international football's dominant forces after an unbeaten tournament campaign.
World Cup Final
The final brought the curtain down on the biggest FIFA World Cup ever staged, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
More than 80,000 fans packed New York New Jersey Stadium, while millions watched worldwide as football's biggest night combined elite competition with a spectacular entertainment programme featuring the tournament's first-ever halftime show. US President Donald Trump was among the dignitaries in attendance before joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the trophy presentation.