Spain Clinches Second World Cup Title with Extra-Time Win Over Argentina

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday, securing their second title after a hard-fought match that extended into extra time. The decisive goal came from Barcelona forward Ferran Torres in the second half of extra time, etching his name in Spanish football history.

The match, played in front of a packed stadium, remained goalless after 90 minutes. Argentina played with ten men from the 90th minute after midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

Spain dominated regulation time, taking 15 shots to Argentina's none, and earning nine corners to Argentina's one. Despite this dominance, they could not find the back of the net in regular time, leading to extra time.

In extra time, Torres struck to break the deadlock. Spain's victory marks their first World Cup title since 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.

Argentina made three changes to the starting lineup that beat England in the semifinals: Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Gonzalez, and Gonzalo Montiel started, while Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone dropped to the bench. Spain kept an unchanged starting eleven from their semifinal win over France.

The officiating crew, led by referee Slavko Vincic, was from Slovenia. The final was the 104th match of the tournament, which expanded to 48 teams and was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 307 goals scored before the final, this edition set a new record for the highest-scoring World Cup.

Pre-match entertainment included a performance by singer Post Malone. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the match and was slated to participate in the trophy presentation.