2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: Spain Frustrated as Martinez’s Heroics Force World Cup Final into <a href="https://absafricatv.com/spains-torres-scores-in-extra-time-to-bring-country-2nd-world-cup-title-national/" title="Spain’s Torres scores in extra time to bring country 2nd World Cup title – National”>Extra Time
📅 July 19, 2026
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👤 King
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📁 FIFA WORLD CUP
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🕑 2 min read
Spain’s relentless search for a breakthrough proved unsuccessful as the 2026 FIFA World Cup final remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, sending the contest against Argentina into extra time.
La Roja dominated proceedings from start to finish, enjoying 67 percent possession and pinning Argentina deep inside their own half for long spells. Spain registered an astonishing 15 shots, including 10 on target, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Emiliano Martinez.
The Argentine goalkeeper produced a string of magnificent saves to keep his side in the contest, finishing regulation time with 10 saves in one of the standout goalkeeping displays of the tournament. Argentina, in contrast, failed to register a single shot throughout the 90 minutes as they struggled to establish any attacking rhythm.
Spain also earned nine corner kicks compared to Argentina’s one, while completing 583 of their 647 passes at a 90 percent success rate, underlining their territorial dominance.
Despite the one-way traffic, Argentina’s disciplined defensive display held firm. Lisandro Martinez received the game’s first booking in the 41st minute for a foul before Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez were cautioned for dissent in the second half. Fernandez was later sent off in stoppage time after picking up a second yellow card, leaving the Albiceleste to play the remainder of extra time with 10 men.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal in regulation, the World Cup final heads into extra time, where Spain will look to finally make their superiority count, while Argentina will hope their resilience can carry them one step closer to a dramatic triumph.
