A late goal from Ferran Torres gave Spain their second World Cup trophy. They defeated Argentina 1-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
Spain, the European champions, created the best chances against the 2022 champions. Argentina mainly used spoiling tactics. Enzo Fernandez received a red card just before extra time started.
Torres became the hero for Spain. He received a header from substitute Nico Williams. He then struck the ball powerfully past Argentina's keeper Emiliano Martinez after 106 minutes.
The first half had few chances. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal made Argentina's keeper Martinez work with some saves.
Things heated up in stoppage time. Fernandez, who had been booked earlier, got a second yellow card. He fouled Spain's defender Pau Cubarsi.
Martinez had been crucial for Argentina. He denied Spain a goal in the last moments of normal time. He made a fantastic save from Lamine Yamal’s free-kick.
Martinez was busy again, making another important stop from Williams’ header. A goal from Williams was ruled out due to a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolas Otamendi.
After 106 minutes, Argentina's defense finally broke. Torres found his spot inside the box. He connected with Williams' knockdown and sent the ball into the roof of the net.
This win marked Spain's sixth victory in seven major tournament finals. For Argentina and Messi, it was a moment to think about what could have been. They could not follow up their 2022 final win and become the first team in 64 years to defend the World Cup.
Spain's first World Cup title came 16 years ago in South Africa.
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