Analysis The numbers behind the result
Spain's dominance justified by xG and relentless pressure
Spain's 1-0 victory was thoroughly deserved, with their 2.0 xG (estimated from 20 shots, 12 on target) dwarfing Argentina's negligible threat (0.1 xG, 2 shots, 0 on target). La Roja's 65% possession translated into relentless pressure, forcing 11 saves from Emiliano Martínez and winning nine corners to Argentina's four. The decisive moment came in the 106th minute when Ferrán Torres converted Nico Williams' assist, capping a performance where Spain attempted 20 shots to Argentina's two.
Tactically, Spain's midfield control through Rodri (762 accurate passes) suffocated Argentina, who managed just 358 accurate passes and saw five players booked. Lionel Scaloni's side failed to register a single shot on target, with their only attempts blocked or off target. Spain's superior shot volume (20 vs 2) and quality (12 on target vs 0) underlined their dominance.
The defining stat: Spain's 12 shots on target to Argentina's zero — the first time in World Cup final history a team failed to test the opposing goalkeeper.