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Key talking points and statistics from the final 45 minutes of the goalless World Cup in New Jersey in the US.
Published on 19 Jul 2026
After a formal training session and a delay in activities caused by the arrival of the US President, Donald Trump, the final of the World Cup between Spain and Argentina ended in a goalless half-time.
The game held at the New York Stadium on Sunday has been an exciting one, with Spain enjoying themselves and Argentina looking to keep the game a draw.
The finale started six minutes late in New Jersey following a game show that included singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise.
Once the ball started, Spain looked to control the ball and force Argentina to chase the game. The South American giants were self-contained and seemed to be in for a real fight.
Here are some of the highlights from the first half.
Race track in New Jersey
It all started promisingly, with Lamine Yamal forcing a save from Emi Martinez after five minutes. The youngster fired home from a tight angle inside the box following good link-up play with Dani Olmo.
Since then, chances have been high, with only three shots in the entire first half, all by La Roja, while Argentina did not register any attempts.
Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal tested Martinez in the 39th minute, but his shot from outside the area was easily saved by the Argentine keeper. Marc Cucurella also had a late effort.
While Spain saw more of the ball, Argentina looked to hang on and finish in the final. So far, the game plan for the defending champions has worked.
The referee keeps his cards in the bags
Slovenia captain Slavko Vincic refused to issue a yellow card until the 40th minute, despite some problems in the first half.
Spain were furious when the referee did not penalize Alexis Mac Allister after a late challenge on Olmo just 15 minutes from the end.
The Argentine midfielder went inside, missing the ball as he cleared Olmo. The Spanish bench erupted, but the referee decided not to book the Liverpool man.
The first yellow card was eventually shown when Lisandro Martinez pulled Oyarzabal back.
Martinez was injured
Argentina suffered a late blow in the first half when central defender Lisandro Martinez was sent off with an injury.
Martinez played a key role in Argentina’s defense during the tournament, but will now have to cope without him for the second half of the final.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is now tasked with stopping the likes of Yamal and Oyarzabal.
What were the head numbers in the first half of Spain and Argentina?
Spain saw more of the ball and enjoyed 64.6 percent possession. He had three more shots on goal, compared to Argentina.
The South Americans committed two more fouls than their opponents and picked up one yellow card.
Spain have been awarded two corners so far, while Argentina have none.
