For the longest time, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final was eerily reminiscent of the 1994 final at the Rose Bowl when the United States last hosted the tournament. 

On that fateful day, a Brazil side led by the legendary Romario attacked with plenty of purpose but was continually disrupted by Italy who put in a masterclass in defending through 90 minutes of regulation time and an extra 30 minutes. Brazil eventually pulled it out via a penalty shootout to hoist the World Cup for a fourth time as Roberto Baggio’s famous miss sealed the win for the South Americans. 

Fast forward 32 years. Sunday’s World Cup final was back on American soil, and it looked like Spain and Argentina were destined to battle it out in a shootout after the South Americans did everything they could to thwart the stylish Europeans at every turn. 

But Spain would not be denied, its class eventually came to the fore, as Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the winner in extra time and deliver a second World Cup to La Roja. 

Spain 1, Argentina 0 | Match report | Match stats 

Sensational Spain deserved winner over dour Argentina 

Full credit must go to Spain, who outclassed Argentina by........

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