By Alam Zeb Safi
NEW YORK: Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday after a disciplined defensive display and a clinical first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final, ending the South Americans’ bid to retain the trophy.
Spain, whose only previous World Cup triumph came in South Africa in 2010, produced a composed and tactically astute performance to dethrone the defending champions before a capacity crowd, capping a remarkable tournament in which they conceded just one goal in the knockout stage.
The decisive moment arrived in the opening half when Spain capitalized on sustained pressure, breaking the deadlock with a well-worked move that ultimately proved enough to settle a tense and closely contested final.
Argentina dominated possession for long spells after the interval, with their attacking stars probing relentlessly for an equalizer, but Spain’s back line stood firm, repelling wave after wave of pressure while goalkeeper Unai Simón delivered several crucial saves to preserve the lead.
The victory completed an impressive knockout run for Spain, who eliminated Portugal in the round of 16, Belgium in the quarter-finals and France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the championship match.
For Argentina, defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive campaign. The defending champions had advanced to the final after victories over Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout rounds but were unable to find the breakthrough against one of the tournament’s most organized defensive units.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s discipline and resilience after the final whistle.
“This group has shown incredible character throughout the tournament,” he said. “Winning the World Cup is the reward for years of hard work and belief.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his side had given everything despite falling short in the final.
“We competed until the last minute,” Scaloni said. “Football can be decided by the smallest details, and today those details went against us.”
Spain’s triumph also underlined the country’s resurgence on the international stage after lifting the UEFA European Championship two years earlier, reinforcing their status as one of world football’s dominant forces.
The celebrations began immediately after the final whistle as Spain’s players embraced on the pitch before lifting the famous trophy amid showers of confetti, while thousands of supporters draped in red and yellow celebrated a historic second World Cup title.
For Argentina, the loss denied them back-to-back World Cup triumphs and a fourth global title, but Scaloni’s side leave the tournament having once again established themselves among the elite of international football.
