[Anchor]

Spain has defeated defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final of the North and Central American World Cup, securing its second-ever title. With this victory, Spain has returned to the summit after 16 years, ushering in a new golden age for the Invincible Armada.

Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

The European champions, Spain, pressed hard against the South American champions led by Lionel Messi, but struggled to take the lead.

The deadlock remained throughout regulation time as shots from the next-generation ace Lamine Yamal and the team's top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal were repeatedly blocked by the goalkeeper.

The turning point came in stoppage time of 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 the defending champions.

Pedro Porro delivered a cross from the flank, which Nico Williams headed down, allowing Ferran Torres to finish with a left-footed strike into the back of the net.

The moment the 1-0 victory was confirmed,

[Local Broadcaster: Spain has won the championship! Spain has grabbed its second star!]

Celebrating a 38-match unbeaten streak and their first World Cup title in 16 years, the Spanish players embraced in joy.

Captain Rodri, who led the team to the fewest goals conceded in tournament history—having allowed only one goal against Belgium throughout the event—became the first Spanish player to receive the Golden Ball as the tournament MVP. Head coach Luis de la Fuente, who successfully led a generational shift and conquered both the European Championship two years ago and now the World Cup, has fully reopened the era of the Invincible Armada.

[Luis de la Fuente/Head Coach of the Spanish National Football Team: 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 most in history—left a bitter impression not only with its performance but also with its conduct, as players were seen pushing and throwing punches at Spanish players after the match.

(Video editing: Oh Young-taek, Design: Kang Yoon-jung)