Spain were crowned world champions for the second time after edging Argentina 1-0 after extra time in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute after Nico Williams transformed the contest from the bench, while Enzo Fernandez’s late dismissal left Argentina to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men.
We rate the players of both sides for their performance in the final
Spain
Unai Simón – 7/10 A shaky moment outside his area inside the opening minutes almost gifted Argentina a chance, but he recovered quickly. Produced another assured display and kept his seventh clean sheet of the tournament.
Pedro Porro – 7/10 Offered width throughout and linked play well down the right. Played an important part in the move that led to Ferran Torres’ winning goal.
Pau Cubarsí – 8/10 Outstanding again. Calm in possession, dominant defensively and completed more than 100 passes in the final, highlighting his authority on the ball.
Aymeric Laporte – 7/10 Read the game superbly and rarely allowed Argentina’s forwards a sight of goal. Rounded off an exceptional tournament with another composed display.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10 Provided his usual energy down the left flank and came close to breaking the deadlock with a first-half effort that drifted narrowly wide.
Rodri – 8/10 Another captain’s performance. Controlled the tempo, dictated possession and anchored Spain’s midfield as they secured a second World Cup title after their triumph in 2010.
Fabián Ruiz – 7/10 Worked tirelessly alongside Rodri and prevented Argentina from establishing any rhythm through midfield.
Alex Baena – 7/10 Pressed aggressively and linked play well between midfield and attack. A busy display before making way.
Dani Olmo – 7/10 Created several dangerous openings and constantly found space between Argentina’s defensive lines.
Lamine Yamal – 7/10 A constant threat whenever he received possession. Forced Emiliano Martínez into an excellent save with a late free-kick and capped another outstanding tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 7/10 Worked tirelessly against Argentina’s centre-backs despite limited service. Finished the tournament as Spain’s leading scorer with five goals.
Substitutes
Pedri – 7/10 Added fresh energy and control after coming on.
Ferran Torres – 8/10 Made the decisive contribution. Reacted quickest inside the penalty area to fire home the winning goal in extra time and secure Spain’s second World Cup crown.
Nico Williams – 9/10 ⭐ Player of the Match Changed the game completely. His pace and direct running immediately stretched Argentina’s defence and he created the opening that led to the winning goal. Spain looked more dangerous every time he touched the ball.
Mikel Merino – 6/10 Helped Spain maintain control during extra time.
Eric García – 6/10 Settled into the back line comfortably and helped preserve the clean sheet.
Martín Zubimendi – 6/10 Kept possession moving and helped see out victory.
Argentina
Emiliano Martínez – 7/10 Produced several important saves, including an excellent stop to deny Yamal’s late free-kick. Had little chance with the winning goal.
Gonzalo Montiel – 6/10 Made a crucial goal-line intervention in the first half and defended resolutely before Spain eventually found a breakthrough.
Cristian Romero – 6/10 Marshalled the defence well for long periods and largely kept Oyarzabal quiet before Spain’s numerical advantage told.
Lisandro Martínez – 5/10 Looked composed before injury forced him off late in the first half.
Nicolás Tagliafico – 6/10 Disciplined defensively and frustrated Spain for much of normal time.
Enzo Fernández – 3/10 His second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí proved the turning point. Argentina faced all of extra time with 10 men and were eventually punished.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10 Worked hard but struggled to impose himself against Spain’s dominant midfield.
Nico González – 5/10 Unable to influence the contest and replaced at half-time.
Rodrigo De Paul – 5/10 Battled throughout but found little room to dictate play.
Julián Álvarez – 4/10 Barely had a sight of goal as Spain’s defence kept him quiet.
Lionel Messi – 5/10 Showed flashes of quality but found few openings against Spain’s disciplined defence. If this proves to be his final World Cup appearance, it ended in disappointment rather than glory.
Substitutes
Nicolás Otamendi – 5/10 Introduced after Lisandro Martínez’s injury and defended resolutely until Spain finally broke through.
Leandro Paredes – 3/10 Brought aggression in midfield but picked up an early booking and struggled to stem Spain’s control. His afternoon ended on a sour note when he was shown violently clashing with Spanish players post-match.
Nahuel Molina – 5/10 Added fresh legs but could not halt Spain’s growing momentum.
Facundo Medina – 4/10 Found it difficult after Spain increased the pressure in extra time.
Giovanni Simeone – 4/10 Unable to influence proceedings after coming off the bench.
Marcos Senesi – 4/10 Introduced during extra time but unable to prevent Spain’s decisive breakthrough.
Read more – Mbappe wins Golden Boot as Spain sweep World Cup awards
Also see – Justice Delayed, Not Denied: Spain Outplay Argentina to Lift a Second World Cup
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