At just 19-years old, Lamine Yamal joins an elite group of teenage World Cup winners as Spain claim global glory. Photo: AFP
It was a Fifa World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end, the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.
The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.
This World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, had an average of 2.96 goals per game, making it the most prolific since 1970. Spain scored only 14 times in eight games, but they take the trophy home after silencing Lionel Messi and defeating a disappointing Argentina 1-0 at the end of extra time at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
La Roja completely outplayed the defending champions, but needed a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute to become world champions for the second time.
