Spain are the world champions for a second time after deservedly defeating an Argentina team who mustered two shots, both in the closing minutes.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal early in the second half of extra time after it appeared Argentina might force penalties despite having Enzo Fernández sent off shortly before the end of regulation time.
The game was one-way traffic and the breakthrough came when two substitutes combined from a Pedro Porro cross. Nico Williams headed the ball back at the far post and Torres provided an unerring finish to beat Emiliano Martínez.
Fernández had been sent off for a second booking after fouling Pau Cubarsí and an already defensive Argentina were unable to hold out.
Spain dominated without having the requisite cutting edge until Torres struck. Martínez made two impressive saves either side of the end of normal time but was otherwise not often seriously extended even though Spain had 20 shots. Mikel Merino might have scored in extra time but flicked a header wide.
Argentina’s first shot came deep in extra time when Lionel Messi’s effort was blocked. The defending champions then put in a dangerous cross and created some alarms in the Spain defence, including when Giuliano Simeone struck a shot over.
