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Spain battle past Argentina in extra time to win World Cup

Cyprus Mail · 2026-07-19

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal after Argentina was reduced to 10 men. • Why it matters: This victory marks Spain's second World Cup title and highlights the tactical success of coach Luis de la Fuente, who became the oldest coach to win the tournament at 65. • What to watch next: Fans will be keen to see how both teams rebuild after this match, with Spain looking to maintain their momentum and Argentina reflecting on their title defense and the future of players like Lionel Messi.

**Spain Triumphs Over Argentina in Extra Time to Claim World Cup Title**

In a thrilling conclusion to the World Cup on Sunday, Spain emerged victorious against Argentina, clinching the title with a 1-0 win after extra time. The match, held in a tense atmosphere, saw Spain's Ferran Torres score the decisive goal, marking a significant moment for the European champions as they secured their second World Cup title.

The match was characterized by a strong defensive display from both teams, but it was Spain who ultimately found the breakthrough. Torres, who came on as a substitute, broke the deadlock early in the second half of extra time. He capitalized on a rebound to score, sending the Spanish supporters into jubilation and leaving Argentina's defense scrambling.

Argentina, the defending champions, faced a challenging situation as they were reduced to 10 men late in the match. Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card during stoppage time in the second half, leaving his team to navigate the final moments of regular play and the entirety of extra time a player down. This dismissal significantly hampered Argentina's ability to mount any serious offensive threats.

Throughout the match, Argentina struggled to create scoring opportunities, failing to register a single shot on target or off target for an astonishing 115 minutes. The lack of offensive production was a stark contrast to their previous performances in the tournament and ultimately contributed to their downfall in the final.

The victory was particularly significant for Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 years old became the oldest coach to win a World Cup. His leadership and tactical acumen were pivotal in guiding the team through the tournament and culminating in this historic win.

On the opposing side, Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, made history of his own. At 39 years old, he became only the second player to participate in three World Cup finals, showcasing his longevity and skill at the highest level of international football. Additionally, Messi's age made him the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.

The match concluded with Spain celebrating their hard-fought victory, while Argentina reflected on a disappointing end to their title defense. Spain's triumph not only adds to their footballing legacy but also serves as a testament to their resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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