Round-Up by Zac Limare
Photo: Getty / Hector Vivas
Spain have been crowned world champions after defeating Argentina 1–0 in a dramatic final in New Jersey. In a tense and tactical contest between two football giants, neither side was able to find a breakthrough during 90 minutes, but Spain struck in extra time when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup title. Argentina pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Spain’s defence held firm to complete a memorable tournament campaign. The biggest talking point of the final came when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, with the decision widely considered correct by refereeing experts.
England claimed the bronze medal after defeating France 6–4 in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. In a thrilling third-place playoff, both teams produced an attacking spectacle with goals flowing throughout the contest, but England’s finishing and attacking quality proved decisive. The result gave England a positive finish to their World Cup campaign after their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina, while France ended the tournament just short of back-to-back World Cup Final appearances.