East Rutherford: Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over defending champion Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Spain was absolutely dominant in terms of possession and shot attempts. Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way to hang on and force extra time.
Spain took 15 shots in regulation, Argentina none. Spain took nine corners and Argentina one. And somehow, 90-plus minutes of that sort of dominance wasn’t enough.
With its victory, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men’s and women’s soccer.
It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions — 308.
Spain’s Triumph Sparks Ugly Pitch Clash
Argentina’s frustration boiled over after their World Cup dream ended on Sunday, with furious players confronting Spain’s jubilant stars in chaotic scenes following the final whistle as La Roja celebrated a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory to lift football’s biggest prize.
What should have been a night of celebration quickly descended into disorder after substitute Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner ended Argentina’s title defence and denied Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance.
Television cameras captured Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes charging at Spain defender Eric Garcia during the victory celebrations. Paredes shoved into Garcia before appearing to punch him twice as tempers flared on the pitch.
Spain midfielder Gavi rushed in to separate the pair, but the confrontation only intensified.
An enraged Paredes swung his arm toward Gavi, prompting Argentina’s Thiago Almada to intervene in an attempt to prevent the clash from escalating. Despite Almada’s efforts, Paredes appeared to strike Gavi in the face as players from both teams converged.
The melee threatened to spiral into a mass brawl before Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stepped in and dragged his players away from the confrontation.
Reports said Paredes was sent off after grabbing Garcia by the throat, while punches were allegedly exchanged during the chaotic scenes.
The ugly aftermath reflected Argentina’s disappointment after a frustrating evening in which the defending champions were largely outplayed.
