Spain are the World Champion

EAST RUTHERFORD, United States -UNS/AFP:  Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, ending Lionel Messi’s hopes of a fairytale farewell on football’s biggest stage.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, finishing emphatically after a headed assist from Nico Williams following a cross from Pedro Porro. The goal capped a dominant Spanish performance in which Argentina failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 120-minute contest.
Watched by a crowd of 80,663, including US President Donald Trump, Spain controlled possession and created the better chances, while Argentina struggled to impose themselves against an organized Spanish side.
The match was marked by several physical challenges and disciplinary incidents. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in extra time following a dangerous tackle on defender Pau Cubarsi, while several Argentine players were booked for persistent fouls.
Spain thought they had broken the deadlock earlier in extra time through Nico Williams, but the effort was ruled out for a marginal foul. The breakthrough finally arrived when Williams headed the ball into the path of Torres, who powered home the winning strike.
“It’s a victory for all 47 million Spaniards, not just for me or the players,” Torres said after the final whistle. “Playing against Messi always brings pressure, but we trusted our football and believed we could become champions.”
The triumph marks Spain’s first World Cup title since their historic 2010 success in South Africa and confirms La Roja’s return to the summit of world football, while Argentina’s reign as world champions came to an end despite another memorable tournament led by Lionel Messi.