EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey : Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winner in extra time as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to lift their second FIFA World Cup title, ending a tense and attritional final that was settled only after 106 minutes.
Torres struck with Spain’s 20th attempt on goal to break the deadlock in a match that appeared destined for penalties, sealing the country’s first World Cup triumph since 2010.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people – it wasn’t even mine or from the 26 players,” Torres said.
“It was destined to happen; it was meant to be a winner.”
The final whistle sparked angry scenes as players from both sides became involved in a mass confrontation, with pushing and shoving breaking out following a physical contest.
Spain dominated possession throughout but struggled to convert their superiority into clear-cut chances, finishing with 20 shots, including 12 on target. Argentina, by contrast, failed to register a shot of any kind during normal time and managed only two attempts in the entire match, none of them on target.
Lionel Messi, playing in his third World Cup final, was unable to influence proceedings, while Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal was also largely subdued. Instead, second-half substitutes Torres and Nico Williams provided the spark Spain had been lacking.
Argentina’s frustrations boiled over late in extra time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
The victory completed another landmark achievement for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who became the oldest manager to win the World Cup at the age of 65.
Already a European champion after guiding Spain to the Euro 2024 title, De la Fuente has now led his side to 38 consecutive unbeaten matches, a record for any national team from Europe or South America.
“I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better and set an example as a team and a family,” De la Fuente said.
“They’re excellent, world-class footballers with exceptional talent.
“I’m very moved. Looking back and thinking about them, we’ve won everything, absolutely everything, with this generation of players.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who studied under De la Fuente during his coaching education in Spain, struggled to contain his emotions after the defeat.
“I have never in my life — please bear with me — I would have never imagined, including my staff, that we would be in this place,” Scaloni said.
He also paid tribute to captain Messi.
“I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever.
“It’s hard for people to enjoy being runners-up as much as being winners. We have to go on.”
