Super sub Torres fires Spain to World Cup glory
Spain secured their second men's World Cup title after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in a match that saw Argentina finish with ten men.
Why it matters
The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event globally, and this result marks a significant shift in international football dominance.
Super sub Ferran Torres fired Spain to their second men's World Cup triumph as what may be Lionel Messi’s last dance ended in 10-man Argentina falling to a meek 1-0 extra-time defeat.
Billed as a box-office final between the South American and European champions, what transpired was a defence versus attack exercise as the holders showed spirit but precious little else.
Faltering Argentina failed to muster a shot across 90 minutes and only Emiliano Martinez’s heroics kept Spain at bay, with the goalkeeper preventing teenager Lamine Yamal from scoring a match-winning free-kick.
The reigning champions lost Enzo Fernandez to a brainless second yellow card just before extra time, with Lionel Scaloni’s lacklustre side continuing to stumble against Luis de la Fuente’s classy, ball-playing outfit.
Spain kept knocking at the door and substitute Torres eventually slammed home at the start of the second period of extra time.
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