Enzo Fernandez sent off as Argentina reduced to 10 before extra time

Argentina were forced to play extra time with ten men after Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card. The World Cup final remained goalless at the end of ninety minutes.

Spain controlled much of the ball and generated the greater number of attempts across the regulation 90, but they were unable to find a way past Emiliano Martinez. Martinez made a record ten saves to keep Argentina in the contest. Both sides continued to pursue the prestigious World Cup trophy as the match moved beyond regular time.

The dismissal of Enzo Fernandez left Argentina a player short heading into the added period, altering the tactical picture for the reigning finalists. Argentina had to reorganise with a reduced squad while preparing for the physical and strategic demands of extra time. The red card proved the decisive disciplinary moment before the additional 30 minutes commenced.

Spain’s statistical superiority in possession and shots failed to translate into goals against a resilient Argentine goalkeeper. Emiliano Martinez produced a series of crucial stops that frustrated Spain’s forward players throughout the ninety minutes. His ten saves were pivotal in preserving the scoreline and forcing the contest into extra time.

Despite the numerical disadvantage late on, Argentina held firm to keep the match level as regulation time expired. The encounter, a goalless final after ninety minutes, required extra time to provide a winner. With both teams still chasing the World Cup trophy, the outcome would now be decided in the additional period.

The contest’s final stages were dominated by tension and defensive resilience as each side sought to seize control. With Enzo Fernandez sent off and Emiliano Martinez producing a record performance, extra time offered the next opportunity to determine who would lift the prestigious World Cup trophy.