Spain have won the World Cup for the second time after beating a dour Argentina side 1-0 after extra time in the final. Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the decisive goal, while Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time.
First Half: Cautious Start
After the pageantry before kick-off, the first half was an extremely cagey affair with Lamine Yamal going closest. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez then suffered heartache shortly before the break when he was forced off with an injury. Both sides then had to sit in their respective dressing rooms for a relative eternity as the World Cup final was paused for the much-feted half-time show.
Second Half: Spain Dominate but Fail to Score
It was much of the same once they did appear though, with Spain dominating possession but failing to carve out any gilt-edge chances. As extra time loomed, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown red after flying into a tackle already on a yellow card.
Spain Player Ratings
Unai Simon - 7 Quick off his line and mopped up well in behind Spain's backline. Beat Lionel Messi to the ball on one occasion.
Pedro Porro - 7 Defended well and was threatening when bursting forward, appeared to be fouled on one occasion but wasn't given.
Pau Cubarsi - 8 So good you forget his age. Excellent. Slick on the ball and so composed. Has what it takes to become one of world's best defenders, if he isn't already.
Aymeric Laporte - 8 Was important he backed up his pre-match comments with a strong display. His remarks rang true as Argentina tried to kick Spain.
Marc Cucurella - 7 Flew up the wing particularly first half. Game has come on leaps and bounds, can see why Real Madrid signed him. Threat going forward.
Rodri - 8 A Rolls Royce. Bossed the midfield, drew fouls and was Spain's lighthouse in the centre of the park.
Dani Olmo - 7 Threatened early and on the receiving end of crunching Alexis Mac Allister tackle. Sharp between the lines just couldn't find the target.
Fabian Ruiz - 7 Kept things ticking in the middle and threaded some nice balls into the final third. Subbed on 62 minutes.
Lamine Yamal - 7 Started like a house on fire but struggled as the game went on.
Alex Baena - 7 Neat and tidy but hesitant at times in final third. Needs to sharpen his shooting and he'll add way more goals to his game.
Mikel Oyarzabal - 6 Intricate but lacked the killer finishing and instincts he has displayed throughout the tournament.
Substitutes
Ferran Torres, on for Oyarzabal (62) - 9 An unlikely hero. But he delivered when Spain needed him most.
Pedri, on for Ruiz (62) - 7
Nico Williams, on for Baena (75) - 8
Mikel Merino, on for Olmo (75) - 7
Martin Zubimendi, on for Rodri (99)
Eric Garcia, on for Laporte (99)
Argentina Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez - 8 Made save after save after save, but could do nothing for the winner.
Gonzalo Montiel - 6 The full-back slots have been a real weakness and Spain did get joy down the flank.
Lisandro Martinez - 6 Booked. Came off injured and that was a blow for Argentina and also Man United.
Cristian Romero - 7 Solid, determined and looked so focused for his country. Great defender when in the mood.
Nicolas Tagliafico - 7 Showing his age these days but still tries to stick to his task in determined fashion.
Enzo Fernandez - 4 Cost his nation the chance of winning another World Cup when he was sent off for a ridiculous challenge.
Nico Gonzalez - 5 Hooked at half time which said a lot about his and Argentina’s display.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6 Lucky not to be booked for a brutal foul on Dani Olmo. Scrapped and battled.
Rodrigo De Paul - 5 Put in a shift but really struggled to make things happen for Argentina. Quiet.
Julian Alvarez - 6 Another quiet game for a player who does not look at his sharpest or fittest.
Lionel Messi - 6 Very subdued by his standards but this tournament has shown it is all about Messi moments.
Substitutes
Otamendi, on for Martinez, 44 mins, 6
Paredes, on for Gonzalez, 46 mins, 6
Molina, on for Montiel, 58 mins, 6
Simeone, on for De Paul, 70 mins, 6
Medina, on for Romero, 70 mins, 6
Senesi, on for Alvarez, 102 mins
