KEIR RADNEDGE in EAST RUTHERFORD —- Spain, ultimately the finest team at the 2026 World Cup finals, deservedly carried away the trophy to underline the point but it took an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres to achieve the 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The deposed champions, twice taken to the extra halfhour previously in these finals, were not helped in their cause in a match in which they were aways second best by the expulsion of midfielder Enzo Fernandez shortly before the end of the 90 minutes.

Spain had previously won the World Cup in 2010, beating Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg with a last-ditch extra-time goal from Andres Iniesta who was called up by FIFA, along with Argentinas 1978 hero Mario Kempes, to parade the trophy before kickoff.

Spain had previously won the World Cup in 2010, beating Netherlands 1-0 in Joannesburg with a last-ditch extra-time goal from Andres Iniesta who was called up by FIFA, along with Argentinas 1978 hero Mario Kempes, to parade the trophy before kickoff.

As predicted and expected, Spain dominated the first half in terms of possession. They were assisted by the decision of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to omit Carlos Paredes from the heart of midfield so it took his refashioned team some minutes to sort themselves out.

Spain could easily have capitalised on their opponents’ initial confusion but when Lamine Yamal darted in off the right wing it was only to see his under-hit shot deflected by a defender and denied by keeper Emiliano Martinez.

As it turned out that was the best chance of the first half and, as the final ran on, so Spanish fears must have grown that they might pay a fatal penalty.

Argentina, once warned, quickly understood that, whatever their pre-match optimism, Yamal had the easy beating of Nicolas Tagliafico so Fernandez or Nico Gonzalez were soon scurrying over on double-marking duty whenever Spain sought to set the Barcelona youngster free.

Spain were superbly commanded from midfield by their captain Rodri who enjoyed one of those monumental games for which a player of even the highest calibre must dream. Dani Olmo was a nimble and willing aide, prompting Argentina to tread, literally, on his inventive spirit.

AWARDS AND PRIZES —- Man of the Match: Ferran Torres [Spain]. FIFA Young Player: Pau Cubarsi [Spain]. Golden Glove: Unai Simon [Spain]. Golden Ball: Rodri [Spain]. Golden Bootv Kylian Mbappe [France] 10 goals

Slovak referee Slavko Vincic, perhaps in deference to the occasion, restrained himself from waving one or two early yellow cards, as he certainly would have done in the Champions League.

Spain, for all their possession, forced only a couple of corners in the first half but caused Argentina some worrying moments off the wings with Marc Cucurella increasingly dangerous. He also delivered the only clear shot when Argentina stood back to allow him time and space for an effort which skidded just wide of Emiliano Martinez’s left hand post.

The much-derided Super Bowl halftime show/break suited Argentina more than Spain. They came out with Paredes now restored to midfield and, as against England, with a newly-discovered attacking intensity. However, once Rodri had shrugged off the effects of a crunching gesture of introduction from Paredes so Spain reclaimed control.

Now they began to press rather than probe. A beautiful weave of interpassing was wrecked by over-elaboration. Olmo saw a shot spilled for a corner by Martinez who was kept active by a shot from Mikel Oyarzabal, a header from Aymeric Laporte and a last-minute free kick from Yamal. Amid all of this Fernandez, booked earlier for backchat, sent Pau Cubarsi flying and was sent off.

Argentina, down to nine men since Messi was but a walking spectator in the centre circle, had nothing for which to play but penalties. Barely had the second half of extra time begun than that ambition was curtailed. Yamal crossed, the lively substitute Nico Williams turned the ball back superbly and Torres swiped his left foot through the ball for the winner.

The FIFA World Cup, at the end of a testing and tainted four weeks, had at least crowned worthy winners.

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