EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s unlikely hero, scoring the lone goal in extra time as La Roja dethroned defending champion Argentina, 1-0, to capture its second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday (Monday in the Philippines) at MetLife Stadium.
Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute, converting after sustained Spanish pressure to settle a tense, scoreless final and deliver Spain its first World Cup crown since 2010.
Spain dictated the pace for most of the championship match, controlling possession and generating the better scoring opportunities, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept the defending champions alive with a series of outstanding saves, including a crucial stop on Lamine Yamal’s dangerous free kick.
Argentina’s hopes took a major blow just before the end of regulation when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, leaving the South Americans to battle through extra time with only 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina initially managed to frustrate Spain before Torres finally found the breakthrough early in the second period of extra time, ending the deadlock and putting Spain on the brink of the title.
Argentina failed to produce a late response as Spain’s disciplined backline protected its slim advantage until the final whistle, ending the South Americans’ reign as world champions.
The victory completed a dominant tournament campaign for coach Luis de la Fuente’s side, which lifted Spain’s second FIFA World Cup trophy in men’s football.
The defeat also ended Argentina’s title defense and could mark the final FIFA World Cup appearance of 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi, whose international future remains uncertain./PN
