Spain’s World Cup-winning squad returned to Madrid on Monday to a heroes’ welcome as thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate the nation’s second FIFA World Cup title ahead of a victory parade through the capital.
La Roja were crowned world champions after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to seal a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The triumph sparked celebrations across Spain, with jubilant supporters welcoming the players and coaching staff home as they embarked on an open-top bus parade with the World Cup trophy.
Spain’s victory ended a 16-year wait for another world title, having previously won the tournament for the first time in South Africa in 2010.
Argentina, meanwhile, returned home disappointed after relinquishing their crown following the closely contested final.
The defeat was followed by controversy, with FIFA opening an investigation into incidents involving members of the Argentine team after the final whistle. Football’s governing body is expected to review the events before deciding whether disciplinary action is necessary.
The final remained goalless after 90 minutes before Torres struck early in the second period of extra time to hand Spain the trophy and deny Argentina captain Lionel Messi what is widely expected to be his final opportunity to win the FIFA World Cup.
For Messi and Argentina, the loss marked the end of their reign as world champions, while Spain celebrated the beginning of a new era under one of the tournament’s youngest and most promising squads.
