[ad_1]
The FIFA World Cup The 2026 final produced late drama before extra time as Argentina were forced to play an extra 30 minutes with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in injury time against Spain.With the score 0-0 after 90 minutes, Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a late tackle on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi, leaving Lionel Messiwith a player less in the most important stage of the title clash.The incident happened moments after Argentina survived another attack from Spain. The ball was brought back into the box after a save by Emiliano Martinez, but as Argentina tried to push forward, Fernandez was late and caught Cubarsi with a reckless challenge.The referee showed the midfielder a second yellow card without hesitation, despite Fernandez’s protests.Argentina were forced to defend the final moments of regular time with 10 men and went into extra time facing an even greater challenge against a Spain side that dominated possession throughout the game.
Spain dominates but Martinez keeps Argentina alive
Spain controlled the contest for a long time, producing an incredible result against the defending champions.La Roja finished regular time with 15 shots compared to Argentina’s zero, nine corners to Argentina’s one and incredible possession. However, they failed to find a breakthrough against the inspired Emiliano Martinez.The Argentine goalkeeper produced a record finals performance, making 10 saves — the most ever in a World Cup final — to keep his team alive.One of his biggest interventions came immediately after Fernandez was sent off when Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal headed home a dangerous free-kick from around 22 yards. The 19-year-old’s curling volley looked destined for a corner, but Martinez pulled off a stunning save to deny it.The goalkeeper immediately jumped to his feet, punched the air and called on the crowd to make noise inside the stadium.
The historic goalless final reaches tense extra time
The stalemate after 90 minutes added another chapter to the history of the World Cup finals.The game was the ninth World Cup final to remain goalless at half-time, joining previous classics such as Spain v Netherlands in 2010 and Germany v Argentina in 2014.The first half had already set a unique record, with just three goals conceded — the fewest in a first half of a World Cup final since 1966.Argentina also became the first team since 1966 to fail to register a shot in the first half of a World Cup match.While Spain continued their quest for a second World Cup title after triumphing in 2010, Argentina were chasing a fourth crown and hoping to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
[ad_2]
Source link
