…outclass Argentines in tension-soaked match
Lone goal by Torres returns Cup to Spain 16 years after
By Femi Atolagbe
Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with a 1-0 extra-time victory on Sunday, as Ferran Torres’ decisive strike secured a second FIFA World Cup title and denied Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell on football’s biggest stage.
The Barcelona forward fired home emphatically in the 106th minute after Nico Williams nodded Pedro Porro’s cross into his path, finally breaking Argentina’s stubborn resistance following a one-sided contest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Spain dominated possession and chances throughout but were repeatedly frustrated by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, whose string of saves kept the holders in the contest despite failing to register a single shot on target over 120 minutes.
Williams had earlier gone close with a glancing header that Martínez tipped away before the Athletic Bilbao winger thought he had broken the deadlock, only for his effort to be ruled out following a marginal foul in the build-up.
Torres eventually ensured Spain’s pressure was rewarded, smashing home from close range to spark celebrations and deliver La Roja’s first World Cup triumph since their maiden success in 2010.
A crowd of 80,663, including United States President Donald Trump, watched as Messi’s bid to end his glittering international career with a second World Cup title ended in disappointment.
The 39-year-old was largely subdued as Spain controlled proceedings against an Argentina side that relied heavily on physical challenges to disrupt their opponents.
Argentina’s frustration was evident from the opening stages. Alexis Mac Allister escaped a booking after a studs-up challenge on Dani Olmo, while Spain’s Álex Baena also avoided punishment after catching Messi with an elbow.
Nicolás Tagliafico was fortunate not to be cautioned following a late challenge on Lamine Yamal before referee Slavko Vinčić eventually produced a yellow card for Lisandro Martínez after a cynical foul on Mikel Oyarzabal.
Martínez was later forced off injured and replaced by Nicolás Otamendi.
Spain continued to create opportunities after the break, with Torres, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí all testing Martínez as Argentina retreated deeper into defence.
Luis de la Fuente’s introduction of Torres, Pedri, Williams and Mikel Merino added fresh impetus to Spain’s attack, although Martínez continued to frustrate the European side with several important saves.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was booked for dissent before being sent off in injury time after a reckless challenge on Cubarsí, leaving his side to finish the match with 10 men.
Martínez produced another outstanding stop to turn away Yamal’s curling free-kick late in normal time, but Spain finally found the breakthrough in extra time.
Williams rose at the far post to head Porro’s cross back across goal, allowing Torres to thunder his finish beyond Martínez and settle the final.
Argentina mounted one last attack in the closing stages but Spain defended resolutely to complete a deserved victory and reclaim football’s biggest prize.