It took 20 shots. It took until the second half of extra time. It took Argentina going down a man in stoppage time of regulation. It took all that for Spain to have a chance at defeating the defending champions in the World Cup final.
Ferran Torres celebrates his goal during the World Cup final July 19. Getty Images
Then, in the 106th minute, Ferran Torres connected on a shot that went past Emiliano Martinez, allowing Spain to defeat Lionel Messi and Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Lionel Messi reacts during the World Cup final on July 19. REUTERS
Spain still needed to hold on for another 15-plus minutes, but defending champion Argentina struggled to create and was held without a shot for most of the game. Argentina’s offensive flurry late did not produce a goal.
