this fifa world cup The 2026 final featured drama before extra time, with Argentina forced to play with 10 men for 30 minutes after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time against Spain.With the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Fernandez received a second yellow card after fouling Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi in the 93rd minute and left. Lionel MessiThe team was down one man at the most critical stage of the title race.The incident occurred shortly after Argentina survived another Spanish attack. The ball was cleared back up front after Emiliano Martinez’s save, but as Argentina tried to launch their own attack, Fernandez arrived late and caught Kubalsi with a rash challenge.Despite Fernandez’s protests, the referee did not hesitate to show the midfielder a second yellow card.At the last moment of regular time, the Argentina team was forced to send 10 players to defend. After entering overtime, the Argentina team faced a greater challenge. The Spanish team occupied possession of the ball throughout the game.
Spain dominate but Martinez keeps Argentina alive
Spain controlled the game for long periods of time and performed well against the defending champions.During regular time, La Roja had a total of 15 shots on goal compared to 0 for Argentina, 9 corner kicks compared to 1 for Argentina, and had overwhelming possession of the ball. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough against the inspired Emiliano Martinez.The Argentinian goalkeeper produced a record-breaking performance in the final, making 10 saves – the most in a World Cup final – to keep his side alive.One of his most significant interventions came after Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal stepped up and fired a dangerous free-kick from 22 yards after Fernandez was sent off. The 19-year-old’s curling effort looked destined for a corner, but Martinez made a stunning diving save to deny him.The goalkeeper immediately stood up, pumped his fist in the air and urged the crowd to raise the noise in the stadium.
Historic goalless final goes into tense overtime
The deadlock after 90 minutes added another chapter to World Cup final history.This game is the ninth World Cup final that ended goalless at halftime. Previous classic games include Spain vs. Netherlands in 2010 and Germany vs. Argentina in 2014.There were only three shots in the first half, the fewest shots in the first half of a World Cup final since 1966.Argentina also became the first team since 1966 to not score a goal in the first half of a World Cup match.Spain continues to bid for a second World Cup title after winning it in 2010, while Argentina is chasing a fourth and hoping to become the first country to successfully defend the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
