Punjab Newsline | New York
Spain ended a 16-year wait for FIFA World Cup glory by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final at New Jersey Stadium in New York. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, handing Spain their second World Cup title since their maiden triumph in 2010.
The match remained goalless throughout the regulation 90 minutes, largely due to a sensational performance from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Spain dominated possession and created a series of scoring opportunities, with Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri, and Nico Williams repeatedly testing the Argentine defense. Martínez produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the champions in the contest.
Spain's relentless pressure finally paid off in extra time. In the 106th minute, Nico Williams headed the ball into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly finished past Martínez to break the deadlock and put Spain ahead.
Argentina had managed to survive the constant Spanish attacks and appeared to be hoping for a penalty shootout. However, their chances suffered a major setback late in the match when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a tackle on Pau Cubarsí, reducing Argentina to 10 men.
With the numerical advantage, Spain tightened its grip on the game, controlled possession, and successfully defended its lead until the final whistle to reclaim football's biggest prize after 16 years.
