Spain are world champions for the second time in their history. They dominated the final against Argentina but only managed to prevail in extra time. Ferran Torres sparked the celebrations in the 105th minute with a stunning shot that slammed into the net and into the underside of the crossbar .
Spain performed much better in the first half, maintaining possession and control. The pace of the game was slow, partly due to the scorching heat in New York. The first chance of the match fell to Lamine Yamal after just four minutes, but his left-footed shot from inside the box was saved by Dibu Martinez. In the 39th minute, Spain again had a chance, with Oyarzabal shooting from the edge of the box after some good play from La Roja, but he failed to trouble the Argentine goalkeeper. Argentina were rarely seen, Messi even less so.
The second half began as the first had ended: Spain advanced and Albiceleste defended. The Spanish side tried to play off one another, and the danger increased. In the 64th minute, Dani Olmo attempted a shot from the edge of the area after a persistent move. Martinez failed to hold the central shot, which was saved. Two minutes later, Ferrán Torres attempted a header from Yamal's cross from the right, but the save was saved.
The game is played in one half, Argentina's. Spain is in control but isn't making any impact. The match takes a turn for the worse in the 90th minute, with Argentina looking close to Simón, but then Nico Williams risks a shot from outside the box. Enzo Fernandez's harsh challenge on Cubarsi leads to a second yellow and a red card: Argentina are down to ten men. In the 94th minute, Martinez flies into the top corner and denies Yamal a free kick, sending the match into extra time.
The second period of extra time begins with a goal to make it 1-0. Ferrán Torres slams a rebound into the net, sparking a nationwide outcry. The Reds come close to scoring shortly after, but Nico Williams inexplicably squanders the opportunity, all alone, by losing the ball out wide.
Missed goal, conceded goal, no. The harsh law of goals threatened to materialize in the 119th minute when Argentina, with a venomous last-gasp move, came very close to equalizing on two occasions. But this time, as in 2010, the celebration was all Spanish. For the second time in history.