Spain have broken the deadlock against Argentina with a second-half extra-time strike from Ferran Torres that could decide their World Cup 2026 clash.
La Roja dominated much of the match before converting sustained pressure into a potentially decisive goal.
The move originated with Pedro Porro, who delivered a cross from the right flank into the penalty area.
Nico Williams displayed sharp awareness and athleticism to head the ball back across goal while off balance.
Torres met the rebound first time with a powerful finish that beat Emiliano Martínez decisively.
Spanish players celebrated wildly as supporters erupted, leaving Argentina facing probable elimination.
Argentina have shown a pattern of late comebacks throughout the tournament under Lionel Scaloni.
Their earlier recoveries from difficult positions mean Spain cannot assume the result is secure.
With minutes remaining, attention turns to whether Spain can hold firm or Argentina can produce another dramatic turnaround.
A Spanish hold would deliver their first World Cup title since 2010.
That earlier side won back-to-back European Championships around their World Cup triumph and is regarded as one of football history’s finest.
A new generation led by Lamine Yamal, Williams, Pedri, and Torres now stands on the verge of its own legacy after wins over France and Argentina.
