[Anchor]
Spain has defeated Argentina 1-0 in the North and Central American World Cup final to claim its second-ever title. Reclaiming the top spot after 16 years, Spain has officially ushered in a new era of the "Invincible Armada."
Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.
[Reporter]
European champion Spain pressed hard against South American champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, but struggled to take the lead.
The "0-0 deadlock" persisted throughout regulation time, as shots from next-generation ace Lamine Yamal and the team's top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal were repeatedly blocked by the goalkeeper.
The turning point came during stoppage time in the second half.
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a rough foul, causing the momentum to shift dramatically in Spain's favor.
One minute into the second half of extra time, Spain finally broke through the defense of defending champion Argentina.
Pedro Porro sent a cross from the flank, which Nico Williams headed down, allowing Ferran Torres to finish with a left-footed shot that found the back of the net.
The moment the 1-0 victory was secured,
[Local Broadcaster: Spain has won the championship! Spain has grabbed its second star!]
The Spanish players, who reached the top of the World Cup for the first time in 16 years while maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak, embraced and celebrated their joy.
Captain Rodri, who led the team to the fewest goals conceded in tournament history—having allowed only one goal to Belgium throughout the entire event—became the first Spanish player to win the tournament MVP, the Golden Ball. Manager Luis de la Fuente, who led a successful generational shift and conquered both the European Championship two years ago and now the World Cup, has wide opened the era of the Invincible Armada once again.
[Luis de la Fuente/Spain National Football Team Manager: It is a great honor to work with such a wonderful team and players who will go down in history. I am truly happy and grateful.]
Argentina, which failed to clear the final hurdle and settled for its fourth runner-up finish—tying the record for the most in history—left a deep sense of disappointment not only in their performance but also in their sportsmanship, as players were seen shoving and throwing punches at Spanish players after the match ended.
(Video Editing: Oh Young-taek, Graphics: Kang Yoon-jung)
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