Spain celebrate their World Cup triuph  (Image credit: SportsMarketing)

Spain have won their second FIFA World Cup title after Ferran Torres scored in extra time to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The triumph also saw Spain set a new European record for the longest unbeaten international run, extending their sequence to 38 matches.

Spain started the final with confidence and immediately looked the more adventurous side. Lamine Yamal came close to opening the scoring early on after creating space on the right before his deflected effort was blocked by the legs of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.


 

The opening half, however, remained largely cagey, with neither side able to create a clear-cut opportunity. The biggest talking point was a strong challenge by Alexis Mac Allister on Dani Olmo, which went unpunished despite protests from the Spanish players.

Martinez was the busier goalkeeper before the interval, although his saves were largely routine. He comfortably gathered Mikel Oyarzabal’s long-range attempt before Marc Cucurella came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot that narrowly missed the target just before half-time.

The first 45 minutes produced only three shots, making it the lowest-scoring opening half in World Cup final history.

Spain continued to apply pressure after the restart, with Martinez almost punished in the 64th minute when he spilled Dani Olmo’s long-range effort. The Argentine goalkeeper was fortunate to see the ball roll just wide of the post.

Torres celebrates as he scored against Argentina (Image credit: tribalfootball.com)


Moments later, Martinez recovered to make another important save, holding Ferran Torres’ close-range header as Spain increased the pressure. Pau Cubarsi also tested the Argentine goalkeeper with a powerful effort from distance.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi. He had earlier been booked for dissent, making him only the sixth player to be dismissed in a World Cup final.

Despite their numerical advantage, Spain were unable to find a winner before the end of normal time. Martinez then produced a late save to deny Yamal, sending the final into extra time.

Argentina became the first team in World Cup final history to complete 90 minutes without registering a shot.

Spain thought they had finally broken the deadlock five minutes into extra time when Nico Williams reacted quickest to score into an empty net. However, the goal was ruled out after referee Slavko Vincic adjudged that Mikel Merino had fouled Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up.

The decisive moment eventually arrived in the 106th minute.

Williams’ knockdown fell into the path of Torres, who showed excellent awareness inside the box before firing a powerful effort into the roof of the net to give Spain the lead.

Argentina could not find a response as Spain held on to claim a memorable victory and lift the World Cup trophy for the second time.

What’s your thought on this World Cup final match?