What happened in the first half of the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final?
The Spain vs Argentina World Cup final remained goalless at half-time in New Jersey. Spain dominated possession at 64.6 percent and created three shots, while Argentina registered none and adopted a physical approach. Argentina lost key defender Lisandro Martinez to injury late in the first half.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina took place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with the match kicking off six minutes late following a pre-match ceremony featuring entertainment acts. At the interval, the scoreline remained 0–0 after a tightly contested opening 45 minutes.
Spain controlled much of the play, maintaining 64.6 percent possession and forcing Argentina into a defensive posture for large stretches. The Spanish side created three shooting opportunities during the half, beginning with teenager Lamine Yamal forcing a save from Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez just five minutes in. Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella also tested the Argentine defence, though neither converted their chances. Argentina, by contrast, did not register a single shot on goal and appeared content to disrupt Spain's rhythm through physical play.
The match's disciplinary record reflected the contrasting approaches. Referee Slavko Vincic issued the first yellow card in the 40th minute to Lisandro Martinez after he fouled Oyarzabal. Earlier, a challenge by Alexis Mac Allister on Dani Olmo drew Spanish protests but went unpunished. Argentina committed two additional fouls compared to Spain and conceded two corner kicks to none.
A significant development emerged late in the first half when Lisandro Martinez departed the field with an injury. The defender had been instrumental in Argentina's tournament campaign, and his absence forced Nicolas Otamendi into a more prominent defensive role for the remainder of the match.
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