Luis de la Fuente has become the oldest manager to win a World Cup title after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
The 65-year-old coach led Spain to their second World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal against 10-man Argentina. The breakthrough came in the second period of extra time after Nico Williams had seen a goal disallowed.
The Guardian reported that De la Fuente praised his players after the victory, which followed European titles at under-19, under-21 and senior level during his coaching career with Spain. The World Cup win added the senior global title to that record.
Spain’s defensive record was central to the campaign. The Guardian reported that De la Fuente’s side conceded only one goal in eight matches, with goalkeeper Unai Simon winning the best goalkeeper award and teenage defender Pau Cubarsi named young player of the tournament.
Captain Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball after Spain’s final victory. Argentina, the reigning champions, could not retain the trophy, and Lionel Messi did not add to his tournament tally of eight goals in the final.
Goal reported that De la Fuente’s contract ran until 2028, and that the Spanish federation had decided to extend it to the 2030 World Cup after the triumph. The same report said he had been promoted from Spain’s Under-21 side.