Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the World Cup final for a second yellow card after a sickening tackle on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Argentina to face extra time with 10 men against Spain. The Chelsea midfielder, already booked for dissent just 11 minutes earlier, crunched Cubarsi on halfway and was shown a second yellow by referee Slavko Vincic. Fernandez protested his innocence but became only the sixth player in history to be dismissed in a World Cup final.
Spain thought they had taken the lead in the 96th minute when Nico Williams scored, but the goal was controversially ruled out for a soft foul in the build-up. Alan Shearer, on BBC co-commentary, was critical of Fernandez: "He might just have cost his team massively. Already being on a yellow card for something stupid, back chatting to the referee. When you are on a yellow you can't do something like that. That's so stupid."
“Enzo Fernandez sent off; Nico Williams' extra-time goal disallowed; pitch and half-time show criticised.”
The first half at New York New Jersey Stadium was dismal, with ITV pundit Ian Wright blaming the pitch: "It's ridiculous, it's poor, it's terrible," he said, describing it as "bobbly and dry". A lengthy half-time show featuring Justin Bieber, Shakira, and cameos from Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Ted Lasso dragged the interval past 27 minutes. Wayne Rooney, on BBC punditry, called the spectacle "crap".
Lionel Messi, playing in what may be his final World Cup final, had little impact on the game. Argentina now face the prospect of penalties to salvage the trophy, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez proving the busier of the two keepers. As extra time wore on, Argentina seemed to be playing for penalties, with the Spain defence proving difficult to break down.