Ferran Torres. Photo: Getty Images
For the “Red Fury,” this is their second World Cup title in history (the first was won in 2010 in South Africa). In addition, the Spanish team has equaled its own unique record by simultaneously holding the titles of reigning European champions (Euro 2024) and world champions.
Spain’s Absolute Dominance and Martínez’s Wall
Regular time was extremely tough and pragmatic on Argentina’s part, as they opted for a defensive strategy. The Europeans completely controlled the flow of the game and methodically broke down their opponent’s defense.
The statistics for the 90 minutes of the match revealed a shocking and historic low: the Argentine national team did not manage a single shot on Spain’s goal during regulation time—the first such occurrence in the history of World Cup finals.
The only one who kept the “Albiceleste” in the game was goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. He made 12 saves (a record for World Cup finals), stopping extremely difficult shots from Dani Olmo, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal. The situation for the South Americans was compounded by forced substitutions due to injuries to key defenders—Lisandro Martínez in the first half and Cristian Romero in the second.
The Decisive Moment While Down a Man
Right at the start of extra time (in the 93rd minute), Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a rough foul on Pau Kubarsi and was sent off. With the numerical advantage, Spain stepped up the pressure, which paid off in the 106th minute.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who had come on as a substitute, pounced on a rebound in the penalty area and, with a precise left-footed shot, hammered the ball under the crossbar of Martínez’s goal. This goal was his first—and most important—of the tournament.
Argentina had a chance to salvage the game in the 122nd minute when, following a corner kick taken by Lionel Messi, the ball rebounded to Giuliano Simeone, but he shot over the goal. Immediately after the final whistle, emotions ran high, and Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes was also shown a red card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Historical Facts About the Final
Longevity record: At 39 years old, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final, breaking the record previously held by Sweden’s Gunnar Gren (1958).
Coaching triumph: At age 65, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest head coach to lead a team to a World Cup title.
Perfect Defense: On its way to the title, the Spanish national team conceded just one goal in all eight matches of the tournament.
Spain has reaffirmed its status as the world’s leading soccer power, while for Lionel Messi’s great generation, this runner-up finish appears to have provided a fitting international finale.
