Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions to lift the trophy for the second time.
Ferran Torres sealed Spain’s second World Cup title on Sunday with the only goal of the final, breaking a goalless match after more than 100 minutes of play.
Luis de la Fuente’s side made the better start, dominating possession and looking to exploit spaces between the lines against a well-organized Argentina defense.
Spain continued to dictate the tempo and the game became increasingly physical as the first half wore on, with players also having to contend with a dry, uneven pitch and high temperatures.
Spain finished the first half strongly, with Oyarzabal forcing another save from Martínez before Cucurella sent a powerful effort narrowly wide of the post.
Argentina rarely threatened going forward beyond a few attacks down the right and isolated moments involving Messi and Álvarez, leaving the score goalless at the break in a finely balanced final.
Second half goalless as tensions rise
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Spain dominating possession while Argentina relied on an aggressive and a physical approach.
Lionel Scaloni made an immediate change after the restart, introducing Leandro Paredes, whose arrival added further intensity to the contest. The midfielder was quickly booked after catching Rodri off the ball and was involved in several heated exchanges as the match became increasingly fragmented by fouls and stoppages.
Spain also threatened from set pieces, winning a succession of corners as Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro and Pau Cubarsí regularly pushed forward.
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