Late drama! Enzo Fernandez sent off as Argentina go down to 10 men ahead of World Cup final extra time | Football News
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 stoppage time against Spain.With the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute after a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi, left. Lionel MessiOne man’s participation in the most important stage of the title fight.The incident happened moments after Argentina survived another Spanish attack. The ball was cleared back upfield after an Emiliano Martinez save, but as Argentina tried to launch their own move forward, Fernandez arrived late and caught Cubarsi in a careless challenge.The referee had no hesitation in showing the midfielder a second yellow card, despite Fernandez’s protests.Argentina were forced to defend in the closing moments of normal time with 10 players and entered extra time facing a greater challenge against a Spain side that dominated possession throughout the match.
Spain dominated but Martinez kept Argentina alive
Spain controlled the competition at times, producing a commanding display against the defending champions.La Roja finished regulation time with 15 shots compared to Argentina’s zero, nine corners to Argentina’s one, and more possession. However, they could not find success against an inspired Emiliano Martinez.Argentina’s goalkeeper produced a record-breaking performance in the final, making 10 saves – the most in a World Cup final – to keep his team alive.One of his greatest interventions came immediately after Fernandez’s dismissal when Spain youngster Lamine Yamal stepped up for a dangerous free-kick from around 22 yards. The 19-year-old’s curling effort looked destined for a corner, but Martinez produced a stunning diving save to deny him.The goalkeeper immediately stood up, punched the air and encouraged the crowd to raise the noise inside the stadium.
The historic goalless finish reached tense extra time
The deadlock after 90 minutes added another chapter to the final history of the World Cup.The match was the ninth World Cup final that remained goalless at halftime, joining previous classics such as Spain vs. Netherlands in 2010 and Germany vs. Argentina in 2014.The opening half has already produced a remarkable record, with just three total shots – the fewest in the first half of a World Cup final since records began in 1966.Argentina also became the first team since 1966 to fail to register a first-half shot in any World Cup match.While Spain continue their push for a second World Cup title following their victory in 2010, Argentina are chasing a fourth crown and hoping to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
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