The World Cup final ended with Spain crowned champions but was overshadowed by a violent altercation between players after extra time. The incident unfolded quickly as tensions escalated on the pitch.
Key players from both teams were involved in the confrontation, leading to a red card and an ongoing FIFA investigation. Spain celebrated their second World Cup win amid the controversy.
The World Cup final took an ugly turn at the end of extra time as Spain were crowned champions. Here’s what happened, frame by frame.
Related coverage: Argentina Rejects Accusations of Poor Sportsmanship and Racism at World Cup.
It’s all over … or is it?
As the referee, Slavko Vincic, blows the full-time whistle, Spain’s substitutes run on to the pitch to celebrate World Cup glory with their teammates.
Molina strikes first
Rodri is struck by Nahuel Molina near the halfway line, the Argentinian right-back aggressively throwing his arm out at Spain’s captain.
More context: Lionel Messi Thanks Fans After Argentina’s Narrow Defeat in World Cup Final.
… Rodri reacts
Rodri turns back and confronts Molina, and the two players square up as their teammates remain unaware of what’s unfolding.
Eric García gets involved
García sees what is happening and runs over to Rodri and Molina in an attempt to prevent the confrontation from escalating.
Also read: Argentina’s team welcomed home amid mixed emotions following World Cup final loss.
… so too does Paredes
Now it’s Leandro Paredes’s turn to enter the fray. He sprints across and attacks García, sending him flying. The linesman attempts to get between the two players, but to no avail.
Paredes goes at García again
García gets up only to be attacked by Paredes once again, the Argentina midfielder grabbing his Spanish counterpart by the throat as the line assitant continues to try to break up the pair. Argentina’s coaching staff – including the head coach, Lionel Scaloni – surround García and protect him from their own teammate.
Background: Spain Returns Home to Grand Royal Welcome and Celebratory Parade After World Cup Win.
Ganging up on Gavi
Paredes turns his attention to Gavi. The 21-year-old midfielder finds himself pushed and pulled in different directions by Paredes, and also the Argentina substitute Thiago Almada, who rip the Spainard’s training bib. Gavi falls to the floor and attempts to get back up before Paredes throws him down again.
A happy ending
Leandro Paredes is sent off after the final whistle, with Argentina facing disciplinary proceedings: Fifa is to investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to take action.
Spain meanwhile celebrate winning the World Cup for the second time in the country’s history.
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