Football once again demonstrated its unrivalled global appeal, uniting nations, cultures and generations in a way few events can

Cricket may be the religion of the Indian subcontinent, but football is the religion of the world. Sunday’s proof came from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain outlasted Argentina 1-0 in extra time to become world champions for the second time. Substitute Ferran Torres settled a stubborn final in the 106th minute, likely closing the book on Lionel Messi’s extraordinary World Cup career and confirming what football fans have suspected for two years: this Spanish side is the finest on the planet.

La Roja’s route was no procession. World Cup debutants Cape Verde defended heroically to hold them to a goalless draw in the opener, but Spain settled quickly, topping their........

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