A final of contrasts
The New Jersey-New York Stadium witnessed a lopsided final. Spain dominated from start to finish: 20 shots against only two from Argentina. The scoreboard reflected a tactical superiority that the Albiceleste was never able to counter.
The hero was Ferran Torres. In the 104th minute, Nico Williams – introduced in the 74th – sent a tense cross and the forward appeared from behind to beat Emiliano Martínez who had kept his team alive. It was the only goal of the game.
Argentina, which arrived as current champions, paid dearly for injuries and late changes. The expulsion of Enzo Fernández for a double yellow buried any hope. Messi and company repeated the bitterness of Brazil 2014: losing a final in extra time.
“Spaniards, we are world champions,” shouted Ferran Torres at the end of the match.
Sweep in the FIFA awards
Spain not only took the trophy. Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after conceding only one goal in the entire tournament (against Belgium in the quarterfinals). Pau Cubarsí, 19 years old, was recognized as the best young player. Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, was awarded the World Cup MVP.
Kylian Mbappé, absent from the award ceremony, won the Golden Boot with 10 goals. The Frenchman also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cups with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi, who closed with 21.
The Spanish generation – Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres – makes it clear that this title will not be the last.
