'Only three shots combined by both teams' Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final ends scoreless in the first half

*This content was translated by AI.

Spain and Argentina, who faced off in the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup final, finished the first half without scoring. The combined shot count for both teams was only three, all of which came from Spain.

Ranked second and first respectively in the FIFA rankings, Spain and Argentina are currently battling in the tournament final that kicked off at 4:05 a.m. (Korean time) on the 20th at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA.

Unlike the third-place match between England and France the previous day, which saw as many as ten goals scored in an intense offensive display, today's final between these two teams proceeded with extreme caution.

Although Spain maintained ball possession of over 60% and dominated the game, Argentina held firm with a solid defense and pressing, making it difficult to create decisive chances.

Even after Lamine Yamal penetrated the right side of the penalty area in the fifth minute and received a pass from Dani Olmo (both from Barcelona), shooting left-footed only to have his shot saved by the goalkeeper, Spain struggled to generate further shooting opportunities.

Conversely, Argentina also sought to strike through brief forward pressing or counterattacks, but Spain's defensive concentration was equally formidable.

Even after the hydration break, Spain retained control but did not force attacks unnecessarily, while Argentina focused intently on maintaining its defensive structure.

Only late in the first half did Spain manage to unsettle Argentina's defense with a long-range shot. However, Mikel Oyarzabal's (Real Sociedad) left-footed non-stop shot in the 39th minute was saved by the goalkeeper, and four minutes later, Marc Cucurella's (Real Madrid) surprise long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

In the 44th minute of the first half, Argentina faced an injury scare as Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) was forced off due to injury and replaced by Nicolas Otamendi (River Plate). The first half concluded with a 0-0 scoreline. The halftime show is scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes.

On this day, Spain deployed a 4-3-3 formation featuring Oyarzabal at the center, flanked by Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid) and Lamine Yamal on both wings. Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/PSG), Rodri (Manchester City), and Dani Olmo coordinated in midfield. The defensive line consisted of Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), and Pedro Porro (Tottenham), with Unai Simon (Athletic Club) guarding the goal.

Argentina employed a 4-4-2 formation with Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) leading the front line. Nico Gonzalez (Juventus), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), and Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) formed the midfield. The defensive line included Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Otamendi, Cristian Romero (Tottenham), and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate). Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) served as goalkeeper.

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*This content was translated by AI.