Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike settles final at MetLife Stadium
NEW JERSEY — Spain claimed their second World Cup title on Sunday, edging Argentina 1-0 after extra-time in a tense final at MetLife Stadium, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the game’s only goal.
Spain controlled possession for most of the match, but Argentina’s defending champions held firm, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez producing several crucial saves to keep the score level through normal time. The game turned in Spain’s favor deep into second-half stoppage time, when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving his side to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Even a man down, Argentina packed players behind the ball through the first period of extra-time, frustrating Spain’s attempts to find a way through. The deadlock finally broke early in the second extra period, when Nico Williams set up Torres with a clever lay-off, and the forward finished with a clean, first-time strike.
Spain’s run to the title was built on defensive solidity as much as attacking flair — coach Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded only a single goal across their seven World Cup matches, wearing down opponents with patient, possession-based football.
For Argentina, reaching the final meant surviving a rocky knockout stage. Lionel Messi’s side pulled off a dramatic comeback against Egypt and rallied from behind to beat England in the semi-final before falling just short of defending their crown.