- Boos for President Trump, Infantino during presentation ceremony
In a match that panned out as a mixture of agony and ecstasy, the reigning European Champions, La Roja of Spain savoured a dominating performance to ferry home the 2026 World Cup by overcoming the iron will of Argentina’s 10-man defense, with Ferran Torres netting the dramatic 106th-minute extra-time winner.
The 1-0 triumph ended a scoreless deadlock at the New York New Jersey Stadium after La Albiceleste’s Enzo Fernández was sent off, and Spain were able to finally break their dogged resistance to win the El-Mundial for the second time with a 1-0 victory.
Torres, who plays for Barcelona, scored the only goal of a disjointed game that was almost ruined by Argentina’s deliberate spoiling tactics, which backfired by the late dismissal of Fernández for two yellow cards.
Spain had dominated throughout, having 20 shots to an extraordinary two from Argentina, as both teams sought an opener going into the second period of the extra time. Pedro Porro’s cross to the back post was kept in play brilliantly by Nico Williams, with Torres pouncing to fire beyond Emi Martínez and send the Spanish into raptures.
Martínez had performed brilliantly to keep Argentina in the contest with a string of superb saves, but most neutrals and the many celebrities in attendance would certainly have been pleased to see him finally beaten given his side’s cynical tactics.
Argentina did not even attempt a shot on goal until the 115th minute when Lionel Messi, making his final World Cup appearance, struck the ball at the head of Mikel Merino.
There were ugly scenes after the final whistle, with Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes in particular reacting aggressively and players briefly scrapped. Paredes shoved Gavi to the turf and was sent off.
The climax of a World Cup FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, described on Friday as “the most incredible event in human history” was as much a showbiz as sporting occasion, with the spectacle on the pitch failing to live up to the razzmatazz off it.
In a break from World Cup protocol, Infantino watched the game from President Donald Trump’s private box at the New York New Jersey Stadium in a gathering that also included the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, King Felipe of Spain and other members of the Trump family.
Emerging reports indicated that President Trump and Infantino were booed as they took to the field for the presentation ceremony of the World Cup final on Sunday. Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off.
There was little reaction from the crowd as the aircraft flew over the stadium, with Marine One landing nearby a few minutes later. The President was seated in a glassed-in section of luxury seats on the west side of the stadium shortly before kick-off, along with Infantino.
Trump was briefly shown on the video screens at the stadium after the US national anthem was played. There were scattered boos from some in the crowd but nothing like the hostile reception he has received at other sporting events during his presidency.
However, when the US President and Infantino came on to the field for the presentation after Spain clinched victory, boos rang out around the stadium again. Interestingly, the world football governing body also released an 11-page list of celebrities in attendance, many of whom were also booked to perform.
However, the match had kicked off six minutes late owing to the pre-game schmaltz being dialled up to levels that made the Super Bowl look subdued. Jennifer Hudson gave a spine-tingling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner followed by Robbie Williams singing the rather less well known FIFA anthem, Desire.
Spain’s Pau Cubarsí Wins Young Player Of The Tournament
Meanwhile, Barcelona FC centre-back, Pau Cubarsi has been named as “Young Player of the Tournament. He got the nod over teammate and fellow clubmate, Lamine Yamal. Pundits agree that Cubarsi’s honour is thoroughly deserved as Spain conceded just one goal in the entire tournament. He looks absolutely delighted by the award.
Tempers Flare As Argentina Manager Lionel Scaloni Steps In
With Spain sealing their first World Cup victory in 16 years, an ugly incident occurred once the final whistle confirmed La Roja as champions. On pitch images showed some La Albiceleste players trying to confront their Spanish counterparts with the Argentina Manager, Lionel Scaloni stepping in to play the peace keeper and breaking up several skirmishes as tension rose. – With The Guardian reports
