BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 20. Spain lifted the
FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in their history after
edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an intense final that
was decided in extra time.
The decisive goal came from Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who
entered the match in the 62nd minute as a substitute for Mikel
Oyarzabal. Torres found the net in the 106th minute, finishing from
close range after Nico Williams redirected Pedro Porro's cross into
his
Argentina were forced to play the closing stages with 10 men
after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 90th
minute. Referee Slavko Vinčić showed Fernández a second yellow card
for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
Spain controlled much of the contest in New Jersey, producing
numerous scoring opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock
in extra time. Argentina struggled to threaten throughout the
match, with their first shot on target not coming until the 117th
minute, when Lionel Messi's effort was blocked.
The South American side had been seeking to become the first
team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup
title, but they were unable to overcome a well-organized Spanish
side. Even Messi was unable to make a decisive impact against Luis
de la Fuente's team.
Despite late pressure from Argentina, Spain held firm to secure
the victory and claim their first World Cup title since their
triumph over the Netherlands in the 2010 final in South Africa.
