"This goal belongs to whole nation": Torres dedicates FIFA World Cup-winning strike to Spain

Hours after helping La Roja lift their second World Cup title, Torres shared pictures of his decisive moments on X and wrote, "This goal belongs to the whole nation."

The 26-year-old's only goal of the tournament proved to be its most significant. His clinical finish in the 106th minute settled a tense final at MetLife Stadium, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and delivering Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010.

Torres' winner also evoked memories of Andres Iniesta's iconic extra-time goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 final, which handed Spain their maiden World Cup crown.

In a tournament where he featured in all eight matches, Torres contributed one goal and one assist, with his solitary strike becoming the defining moment of Spain's campaign.

The final remained deadlocked through 90 minutes despite Spain dominating much of the contest. Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina in the game with a series of impressive saves, denying Dani Olmo, Torres and Pau Cubarsi as Spain searched for the breakthrough.

Argentina's task became even harder in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cubarsi, leaving the defending champions to contest extra time with 10 men.

Spain thought they had found the winner early in extra time when Nico Williams tapped into an empty net, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

The breakthrough finally arrived six minutes later. Williams won the aerial duel and knocked the ball into Torres' path, and the forward reacted quickest to smash his effort into the roof of the net from close range.

The goal sealed a 1-0 victory, earned Spain their second FIFA World Cup title, and extended Luis de la Fuente's side's unbeaten run to a European-record 38 international matches.

For Torres, whose tournament had largely been defined by hard work rather than goals, the final provided the perfect stage to make his decisive contribution--one that ensured his name will forever be etched alongside Spain's greatest World Cup heroes. (ANI)