The Spanish national team was crowned world champion last night for the second time in its history, after defeating the reigning champion, Argentina, 1-0 in a final that went to extra time. A lone goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute broke the resistance of an Argentina side that finished the match with ten men and barely troubled Unai Simón's goal.
From the opening whistle, Spain dominated the game. Luis de la Fuente's strategy was perfect: La Roja took control of the ball and never relinquished it, subjecting the Argentine defense to constant pressure. The first half was a Spanish monologue. Although clear chances were few and far between, Spain created the best opportunities, while Argentina, led by a very well-neutral 39-year-old Lionel Messi, failed to register a single shot on target in the first 90 minutes.
Despite their dominance, the score remained unchanged. Lamine Yamal, Spain's great hope, troubled Emiliano Martínez on several occasions, and a goal by Nico Williams was disallowed for a controversial foul in the build-up.
Argentina clung to the game thanks to their goalkeeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez. The Argentine goalkeeper put on a memorable performance, stopping shots from Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, and saving his team on numerous occasions. But Argentina's resistance crumbled as the minutes ticked by.
The key moment came in second-half stoppage time. Enzo Fernández, who had already been booked, made a very hard tackle on Pau Cubarsí that earned him a second yellow card and, therefore, a red card. Argentina, who had already made all their substitutions, faced extra time with one less player and no chance of a comeback. It was then that Spain's dominance became even more suffocating.
The difference was made by the substitutes. Luis de la Fuente, who had already brought on Ferran Torres and Pedri in the second half, saw his gamble pay off in the 106th minute of extra time. A pinpoint cross from Pedro Porro to the far post was headed back by Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres was there to unleash a powerful shot past Martínez and make it 1-0. Spain, who had already dominated the match, weren't content with the goal and continued to attack, but the score remained unchanged.
Argentina, who hadn't managed a shot on target all game, finally did so in the 116th minute, but it was too little, too late. With this victory, Spain won their second World Cup, 16 years after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
The night was bittersweet for Lionel Messi, who likely played his last World Cup match without being able to lift the trophy. For Spain, however, it was the night of their second star, a night that will be etched in football history. As Ferran Torres himself declared at the end of the match: "It was written in the stars, it's the goal of 47 million Spaniards."
Note: I used Google Translate.
