Spain edge Argentina in extra time to win second FIFA World Cup title

Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time in their history after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. 

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a fiercely contested encounter and handing Spain their first World Cup triumph since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

The final remained goalless throughout the regulation 90 minutes as Spain dominated possession and created the better opportunities against a disciplined Argentine defence. 

Luis de la Fuente’s side dictated the tempo for most of the contest, while Argentina struggled to create meaningful attacking chances and failed to register a shot until the closing stages of extra time. 

Spain’s persistence was eventually rewarded after Nico Williams delivered a precise pass for Torres to fire home the winning goal.

Argentina’s hopes of defending their world title suffered a major setback just before extra time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time. 

Reduced to 10 men, Lionel Scaloni’s side spent much of extra time defending against relentless Spanish pressure before finally conceding the breakthrough that ultimately decided the championship.

Despite being a man down, Argentina mounted a late push in the closing minutes of extra time and came agonisingly close to forcing penalties. 

Giuliano Simeone squandered the visitors’ best chance by firing over the crossbar from inside the penalty area, while Mikel Merino produced a courageous block to deny Lionel Messi’s powerful effort as Spain held firm under intense late pressure.

Spain’s midfield dominance, defensive organisation and patient attacking approach prevented Argentina from finding any rhythm, allowing La Roja to dictate proceedings and eventually break the deadlock through Torres’ extra-time strike.

The victory completes a memorable World Cup campaign for Spain, who recovered from an opening goalless draw against Cape Verde to lift football’s biggest prize.