Spain added the World Cup to its European title after Ferran Torres struck in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Torres scored in the 106th minute, lashing a left-footed shot beneath the crossbar after Nico Williams kept a long pass in play and headed the ball into his path. It was Spain’s 20th attempt of the final and Torres’ first goal of the tournament.
The winner ended more than 100 minutes of Argentine resistance in a match Spain had controlled almost from the opening whistle. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, pinned Argentina deep inside its own half and prevented Lionel Messi and his teammates from registering a shot for much of the contest.
Emiliano Martinez repeatedly kept Argentina alive. The goalkeeper blocked Lamine Yamal from close range in the opening minutes and later denied Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte as Spain searched for a breakthrough.
(Photo: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina did not attempt a shot in the first half, becoming only the second team since detailed records began in 1966 to go without an effort before halftime in a World Cup final. Spain controlled roughly 65% of possession during the opening period, although its territorial superiority produced only a handful of clear opportunities.
The pressure increased after the break. Yamal continued to trouble Nicolas Tagliafico on Spain’s right flank, while Argentina gradually sacrificed attacking players in an effort to protect the goalless score.
The task became considerably harder in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Argentina entered extra time with 10 players and increasingly appeared to be playing for a penalty shootout.
(Photo: AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Martinez denied Yamal from a curling free kick before Williams briefly appeared to have given Spain the lead in the 99th minute. The goal was ruled out after Mikel Merino was judged to have stepped on Nicolas Otamendi’s foot during the buildup.
Spain refused to lose its composure. Merino headed another Williams cross wide from close range, but the decisive combination arrived moments later.
Williams rose to prevent a high ball from going out of play and directed it toward Torres, who had entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute. The Barcelona forward allowed the ball to bounce before driving it beyond Martinez.
Argentina was unable to mount a response.
(Photo: Reuters)
The victory gave Spain its second World Cup, following its 2010 triumph in South Africa, and completed another European Championship-World Cup double. The previous Spanish generation won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Spain’s latest title was built on depth rather than dependence on a single star. De la Fuente’s team recovered from a goalless opening draw with Cape Verde and eliminated Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France before defeating Argentina.
For Messi, 39, the defeat ended his attempt to win consecutive World Cups. He finished the tournament with eight goals but was largely isolated in the final as Spain’s midfield and defense denied him time and space.
Argentina remained within one goal because of Martinez, but the balance of play was never in doubt. Spain created virtually every meaningful chance and eventually found the finish required to turn its command of the match into a world championship.