Spain defeated defending champions Argentina with a bruising 1-0 victory in extra time to hoist the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010. The final, held at a packed stadium, saw substitute Ferran Torres score the decisive goal in extra time, propelling his team to glory.
Match details
Argentina and star player Lionel Messi showed flashes of promise but struggled to hold their ground with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off. Spain's defence proved unassailable, thwarting every Argentine attack. The match remained goalless through regular time before Torres struck in extra time.
Controversial half-time show
The final's half-time show gave viewers an eclectic mix of ballads, football legends, and the Muppets, drawing mixed reactions. After the game, US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were booed, and Trump attempted to gatecrash Spain's victory party, according to reports.
Other top news
In other news, Barnaby Joyce stated that One Nation does not want a return of the White Australia policy but backs Pauline Hanson on mass deportations. Mark Dreyfus told a royal commission that a ban on protests outside synagogues and Jewish schools should be considered. The Odyssey stormed the global box office with a $264 million opening. Australia spent more than $9 million for each asylum seeker held on Nauru last year, raising questions about food affordability. Taxpayers could pay millions to abuse survivors if Christian Brothers goes bankrupt, court documents reveal. Extreme heat saps health and wages of India's poorest workers.
Environmental report
The Guardian reported on illegal mining operations destroying the Amazon rainforest, with Brazilian forces fighting to eradicate illegal mining in Indigenous territories. Vila Cururu, an illegal gold-mining settlement, was described as a hive of depravity until recently.
Tributes and podcasts
Tony Tardio paid tribute to former broadcaster and senator Derryn Hinch at his state funeral in Melbourne, calling him "a journalistic James Bond." The Guardian's World Cup Daily podcast discussed Spain's win, Argentina's issues, and the epic third-place playoff, featuring Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, John Brewin, Jonathan Wilson, and Sid Lowe.
Feature: John Carpenter interview
In a feature, John Carpenter, the king of horror and sci-fi movies, spoke about his dreams, nightmares, and addiction to moviemaking, saying, "Everything I know about evil I learned in that small town."
