The World Cup final descended into chaos on Sunday night as Spain triumphed 1-0 over Argentina after extra time, with the match marred by ugly scenes and a post-match brawl that could see two Argentina players face FIFA action.
Ferran Torres slammed in the winner in the 106th minute at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ensuring Spain their second men's World Cup title. But the result was overshadowed by Argentina's approach, which former England captain Alan Shearer described as a clear contrast. "There is no doubt that the right team won," Shearer said on BBC One. "From start to finish, Spain controlled possession. They were the ones looking to play football, create chances and get in behind. This is a result for football because of the way that they have played. Spain deserve it."
“Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a final marred by dirty tricks and a post-match brawl, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner.”
Spain dominated statistically, with 65% possession, 20 shots (11 on target) and an expected goals tally of 1.94. At the other end, goalkeeper Unai Simon kept his seventh clean sheet in eight matches to win the Golden Glove, having conceded just one goal in the entire tournament – the fewest by any winning team. Argentina, meanwhile, became the first finalists to complete 90 minutes without a single shot on target, a turgid display that one report called "the worst final of all" until Torres struck.
The game was littered with cynical fouls and play-acting from Argentina, who, according to a detailed breakdown, attempted 27 "dirty tricks" including shirt-pulling, elbow strikes, and exaggerated falls. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 90th minute, and Leandro Paredes received a red card after the final whistle for throwing punches, sparking a violent melee that also involved Nahuel Molina. Both could now face FIFA action.
Spain's win adds to a remarkable era: they are now world, Olympic and European champions – not to mention women's world champions. The men's team has gone 38 matches unbeaten, the longest run by any European team in history. Pau Cubarsi, 19, completed 121 passes in the final – one of only three instances of a player reaching 100 or more in a World Cup final – and was named young player of the tournament. Lamine Yamal, also 19, became the third-youngest player to appear in a final, after Pele and Giuseppe Bergomi, and the third-youngest winner.
For Lionel Messi, playing likely his last World Cup, the night ended in defeat and frustration as he failed to inspire a side that barely ventured forward. As Rodri lifted the trophy, Spain's collective triumph stood in stark contrast to Argentina's bitter, fractious exit.