KOTA KINABALU: Spain claimed their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina in extra time, mirroring their 2010 triumph when they also secured victory beyond regular time.
The decisive moment came in the 106th minute, when substitute Ferran Torres found the net, beating goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and dashing Argentina’s hopes of winning consecutive World Cups.
Lionel Messi, aged 39, had his most subdued performance of the tournament.
He registered just one touch in the first 15 minutes—during the opening kick-off—and Argentina failed to register a shot in the entire first half.
Spain dominated proceedings throughout but were unable to convert their pressure until Torres capped off a well-executed team.
Argentina’s struggles intensified late in regulation when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off.
His foul launched young Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi high into the air during a clash at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Playing with a numerical advantage through the extra period, Spain tightened their grip on the game.
Though one goal was disallowed for a marginal foul on Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi, Torres’ strike ultimately proved decisive in securing the championship.
Source – The Athletic
