One dynasty ends, another begins. Thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal, Spain defeats defending champions Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup for the second time in its history and its third international trophy in four years, alongside the 2023 UEFA Nations League and the 2024 UEFA Euro.
This match was just more than a one-sided affair. It was a sophisticated, suffocating beatdown from start to finish.
La Albiceleste never got into a consistent rhythm at any point during the match, as La Roja’s midfield superiority, passing and pressing traps were too much for the Argentines to handle.
The stats bear this out. Spain had 65% possession and 20 shots (12 on target), for an expected goals (xG) of 2.29, while Argentina could only muster two shots, the first in the 117th minute, for an xG of 0.22 with 35% possession. La Roja also had more touches in the opposition box (32 to 8), more accurate passes (763 to 357) and more big chances (4-0).
However, it took longer than usual for the Spaniards to find the winning goal. Even after La Albiceleste were down to 10 men due to Enzo Fernández receiving a second yellow for a foul on eventual Young Player of the Tournament Pau Cubarsí, Argentina’s defense remained sturdy, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez playing a big part with 11 saves.
Spain thought they had the winning goal in the 96th minute in extra time when substitute Nico Williams pounced on a loose ball inside the Argentine box and slotted it past Martínez and into the net, but it was ruled out due to Mikel Merino fouling Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up.
But La Roja’s patience was rewarded just 37 seconds into the second half extra time, when Williams headed back a pass into the path of Torres, who had all the time and space in Argentina’s box to unleash a powerful shot past Martínez and into the net for the breakthrough goal.
La Albiceleste‘s best chance came in the first minute of stoppage time when Giuliano Simeone pounced on a loose ball in the Spaniard’s box, but put his shot over the bar. That was the only real chance Argentina had in the game, and it was the only chance they would get, as Spain drained out the rest of the clock to win the trophy for the first time since 2010.
In addition to Cubarsí winning Young Player of the Tournament, La Roja took home three of the four awards at the tournament, with Unai Simón winning the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper and Spain captain Rodri winning the Golden Ball as the best player.
Even though his farewell tour with Argentina didn’t get a happy ending, Lionel Messi leaves his mark on the game as arguably the greatest to ever do it, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
But as of now, the Spanish dynasty is in full gear, and it may not be stopping for a while.
Delivered by Sean Paul
