*This content was translated by AI.
The 2026 FIFA North American Cup final between Spain and Argentina has eventually entered extra time. Argentina, the 'defending champion' led by Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), recorded zero shots during regular time.
Spain and Argentina finished the first and second halves of the tournament final being held on the 20th (Korean time) at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA, without scoring a goal. The winner will be decided through 15-minute halves of extra time. If the match remains tied after extra time, the champion will be determined by a penalty shootout.
During regular time, Spain dominated the match but failed to convert their chances, while Argentina managed no significant counterattacks. Spain recorded several dangerous shots on target in the second half but could not penetrate the goalkeeper. Argentina, having recorded zero shots in the first half as well, entered extra time without a single shot in the second half.
On this day, Spain deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad) leading the attack, flanked by Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona). Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/PSG), Rodri (Manchester City), and Dani Olmo (Barcelona) operated in midfield. The defensive line consisted of Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), and Pedro Porro (Tottenham), with Unai Simon (Athletic Club) guarding the goal.
Argentina countered with a 4-4-2 formation featuring Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) as the front duo. 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), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate). Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) was the goalkeeper.
Given the stakes of the World Cup final, both teams approached the first half with extreme caution. Spain maintained over 60% ball possession and controlled the game's tempo but avoided reckless attacks to minimize the risk of counterattacks. Argentina focused on holding firm with a solid defense and pressing.
In the fifth minute of the first half, Lamine Yamal penetrated the right side of the penalty box and received a pass from Dani Olmo, shooting with his left foot, but the shot was saved by the goalkeeper. For a long period afterward, neither team registered a shot. Only near the end of the first half did Oyarzabal and Cucurella attempt mid-range shots, but both missed the target. Argentina looked for opportunities through counterattacks but repeatedly failed to capitalize.
A injury scare occurred for Argentina late in the first half. Lisandro Martinez collapsed due to an injury and was substituted off, with Nicolas Otamendi (River Plate) hastily brought on. The first half ended 0-0. Spain recorded three shots, while Argentina had none.
In the second half, Spain became more aggressive in targeting the opponent's goal. Baena opened the scoring attempt with a mid-range shot, and Lamine Yamal's free kick was blocked by the defensive wall. In the 19th minute of the second half, Dani Olmo's mid-range shot from the edge of the box was saved by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Ferran Torres (Barcelona) headed in a cross from Lamine Yamal but sent it straight at the goalkeeper.
Spain continued their attack. However, in the 32nd minute of the second half, mid-range shots from Pedri (Barcelona) and Cubarsi were repeatedly saved by the goalkeeper, leaving them frustrated. Meanwhile, Argentina's streak of zero shots following kickoff remained unchanged until the end of regular time. In stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and was sent off after colliding with an opponent. With the numerical balance between the teams disrupted, regular time ended 0-0. Lamine Yamal's free kick in the final moments of stoppage time was also saved by the goalkeeper. Ultimately, the match proceeded to extra time.
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*This content was translated by AI.
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