Spain beats Argentina to win the World Cup

Spain claimed their second World Cup title on Sunday after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a dramatic final in New York. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, ending a tense contest that had seemed destined for penalties and confirming Spain as the new world champions.Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated much of the match, creating the clearest chances and controlling possession, but struggled to break down an Argentina team determined to defend its crown. Spain also saw a goal by Nico Williams controversially disallowed in the first half, a decision that left players and supporters frustrated.The match took another dramatic turn at the end of normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsí. Reduced to 10 men, Argentina retreated deeper during extra time as Spain pushed relentlessly for a winner.The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes into the second period of extra time. Nico Williams headed the ball back across goal after a cross from the right, and Ferran Torres arrived at the far post to fire home from close range. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players and fans.Argentina mounted a desperate late assault, but Spain held firm to secure a historic victory. The triumph marks Spain’s first World Cup title since 2010 and caps a remarkable era for a generation led by stars such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres. For Argentina, the defeat brings an end to its reign as world champion after a hard-fought final.Torres, now immortalized in Spanish soccer history, said afterward: “It was meant to be; this is the goal of 47 million Spaniards. All finals are tough; we were up against [Lionel] Messi. But we’ve always relied on ourselves, playing our own game.”An emotional Spain coach Luis de la Fuente urged observers to give this title “the value it deserves” after guiding a new generation of Spanish talent to the summit of world soccer.Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition