Gangs of New Jersey: how the World Cup final descended into ugly scenes between Argentina and Spain

A blow-by-blow account of how players from both sides fought in the aftermath of Sunday’s showpiece

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.

As the referee, Slavko Vincic, blows the full-time whistle, Spain’s substitutes run onto the pitch to celebrate World Cup glory with their teammates.

Rodri is struck by Nahuel Molina neat the halfway line, the Argentinian right-back aggressively throwing his arm out at Spain’s captain.

Rodri turns back and confronts Molina, and the two players square up as the rest of their respective teams remain unaware of what’s unfolding.

Garcia sees what is happening and runs over to Rodri and Molina in an attempt to prevent the confrontation from escalating.

Now it’s Leandro Paredes’ turn to enter the fray. He sprints across and attacks Garcia, sending him flying. The linesman attempts to get between the two players, but to no avail.

Garcia gets up only to be attacked by Paredes once again, the Argentina midfielder grabbing his Spanish counterpart by the throat as the linesman continues to try and break up the pair. Argentina’s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surround Garcia and protect him from their own player.

Paredes turns his attention to Gavi. The 21-year-old midfielder finds himself pushed and pulled in different directions by Paredes, and also Argentinian 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,.

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 a second time in the country’s history.