KABUL (Pajhwok): Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, clinching the world title after a closely contested match.
The two sides played cautiously in the first half, with both defences remaining solid and neither team able to break the deadlock before the interval.
Spain scored the decisive goal in 106th minute of extra time through Álvaro Morata, who finished off a well-worked attacking move.
Argentina responded with sustained pressure and created several chances, but the Spanish defence and goalkeeper denied every attempt.
Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, Argentina failed to find an equaliser as Spain held on to secure a memorable victory.
Spain reached the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Argentina booked its place by overcoming England 2-1.
The victory crowned an impressive campaign for Spain, which remained unbeaten throughout the knockout stage and lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in its history.
Argentina finished the tournament as runners-up after an impressive campaign that included victories over Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout rounds.
sa
