The Albany Gazette - Spain beat Argentina to win World Cup

The European champions dominated the match at the MetLife Stadium but struggled to find a breakthrough against the streetwise defending champions.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a string of saves to deny Spain, but the match changed complexion in second-half stoppage-time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

Extra-time followed a familiar pattern, with Spain probing for the opening goal against a deep-lying Argentina.

The breakthrough eventually came in the early moments of the second period of extra-time when substitute Torres finished crisply following a brilliant knock-back by Nico Williams.

Luis de la Fuente's Spain conceded just one goal in seven matches on their way to the final, suffocating opponents with their slick possession game.

Lionel Messi's Argentina battled their way through the knockout rounds, coming back from the dead against Egypt and recovering from a goal down to beat England in the semi-finals.

(F.Allen--TAG)