Spain secured a dramatic World Cup victory against 10-man Argentina, with manager Luis de la Fuente hailing his players for fulfilling their destiny. The reigning champions struggled to break down a resilient Argentina side but finally found the breakthrough in extra time through substitute Ferran Torres.
Spain's Defensive Masterclass
De la Fuente's side conceded just one goal across eight matches, showcasing a miserly defense that proved decisive. Unai Simón won the best goalkeeper award, while teenage defender Pau Cubarsí was named young player of the tournament. Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, claimed the Golden Ball for his outstanding performances.
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Key Match Moments
Nico Williams had a goal disallowed in the first half of extra time, while Enzo Fernández became the sixth player sent off in a World Cup final after receiving a second yellow card in the 93rd minute. Argentina had chances to equalize after Torres put Spain ahead, but Lionel Messi could not inspire a comeback.
| Statistic | Spain | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Conceded in Tournament | 1 | 8 |
| Red Cards in Final | 0 | 1 |
| Golden Boot Winner | Kylian Mbappé (10 goals) | Lionel Messi (8 goals) |
| Golden Ball Winner | Rodri | N/A |
De la Fuente's Emotional Reaction
“It was written, and we deserve it,” said a delighted De la Fuente, who has led Spain to European titles at under-19, under-21 and senior level before this triumph. “This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny and we wanted to make it count.”
The 65-year-old manager added: “The players have asked me what we have left to win. Together we’ve figured out that it’s the next match in September [against England in the Nations League] because this team is tireless.”
Key Takeaways
- Spain won their second World Cup final against Argentina.
- Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time.
- Enzo Fernández was sent off for Argentina.
- Spain conceded just one goal in the entire tournament.
- Lionel Messi failed to add to his goal tally in his likely last World Cup.
FAQ
Who scored the winning goal for Spain?
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in the second period of extra time.
How many goals did Spain concede in the tournament?
Spain conceded just one goal across their eight matches in the World Cup.
Who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball?
Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, and Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.