Spain finally broke Argentina’s dogged resistance in extra time to win the men’s World Cup for the second time with a 1-0 victory.The Barcelona winger Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a disjointed game that was almost ruined by Argentina’s deliberate spoiling tactics, which backfired when they were reduced to 10 men for extra time by the late dismissal of Enzo Fernández for two yellow cards.Spain had dominated throughout, having 20 shots to an extraordinary two from Argentina – both as they chased an equaliser –and were finally rewarded when Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute.Pedro Porro’s cross to the back post was kept in play brilliantly by Nico Williams, with Torres pouncing to fire beyond Emi Martínez and send the Spanish into raptures.Martínez had performed brilliantly to keep Argentina in the contest with a string of superb saves, but most neutrals and the many celebrities in attendance will have been pleased to see him finally beaten given his side’s cynical tactics.Argentina did not even attempt a shot on goal until the 115th minute when Lionel Messi, making his final World Cup appearance, struck the ball at the head of Mikel Merino.The climax of a World Cup Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, described on Friday as “the most incredible event in human history” was as much a showbiz as sporting occasion, with the spectacle on the pitch failing to live up to the razzmatazz off it.In a break from World Cup protocol Infantino watched the game from Donald Trump’s private box at the New York New Jersey Stadium in a gathering that also included the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, King Felipe of Spain and other members of the Trump family.Fifa also released an 11-page list of celebrities in attendance, many of whom were also booked to perform.The match had kicked off six minutes late owing to the pre-game schmaltz being dialled up to levels that made the Super Bowl look subdued. Jennifer Hudson gave a spine-tingling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner followed by Robbie Williams singing the rather less well known Fifa anthem, Desire.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionQuick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?ShowIn the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications. Turn on sport notifications.If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.If you don't have the Guardian app, download it from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.More bizarrely Tom Cruise then delivered what was no doubt intended as a stirring speech, which included such Fifa-sanctioned platitudes as: “Football is a force that unites people.”The much-hyped half-time show featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber and Ted Lasso among others, the first time pop stars have been permitted on the pitch during a World Cup final, meant that the interval stretched to 27 minutes and 20 seconds, which will have suited Argentina, whose tactics were based on delaying and disrupting Spain throughout.
Spain win the World Cup after Ferran Torres dethrones 10-man Argentina in extra time
Spain are the world champions after a deserved 1-0 victory over an Argentina team who barely mustered a shot











