All the most important speaking factors and stats from the primary 45 minutes of a goalless World Cup last in New Jersey within the US.
Printed On 19 Jul 2026
After a star-studded match ceremony and the logistical delays attributable to the arrival of US President Donald Trump, the World Cup last between Spain and Argentina resulted in a goalless scoreline at half-time.
The match on the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday has been a cagey affair, with Spain having fun with better possession and Argentina seeking to make the sport right into a scrap.
The ultimate kicked off six minutes late in New Jersey following a pre-match present that included singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise.
As soon as the soccer truly started, Spain regarded to regulate the ball and drive Argentina to chase the sport. The South American giants have been principally restricted to their very own half and regarded to make it a bodily battle.
Listed here are a number of the largest speaking factors from the primary half.
A cagey affair in New Jersey
It began so promisingly, with Lamine Yamal forcing a save from Emi Martinez after simply 5 minutes. {The teenager} shot from a decent angle contained in the field following some sensible link-up play with Dani Olmo.
Since then, possibilities have been at a premium, with simply three pictures at purpose in all the first half, all by La Roja, with Argentina but to register an effort.
Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal examined Martinez on 39 minutes, however his shot from simply exterior the world was simply saved by the Argentine keeper. Marc Cucurella additionally dragged an effort extensive late on.
Whereas Spain noticed extra of the ball, Argentina regarded to get caught in and make it a scrappy last. Up to now, the defending champions’ sport plan has labored.
Referee retains his playing cards in his pockets
Slovenian official Slavko Vincic declined to brandish a yellow card till the fortieth minute, regardless of some hefty challenges within the first half.
Spain have been livid when the referee didn’t penalise Alexis Mac Allister after a late problem on Olmo simply quarter-hour into the ultimate.
The Argentine midfielder dived in, lacking the ball totally as he wiped Olmo out. The Spanish bench erupted, however the referee determined to not e book the Liverpool man.
The primary yellow card was ultimately proven when Lisandro Martinez dragged Oyarzabal down from behind.
Martinez heads off injured
Argentina suffered a late blow within the first half as key defender Lisandro Martinez was pressured off with an damage.
Martinez has performed a vital function on the coronary heart of defence for Argentina on this match, however they are going to now must cope with out him for the second half of the ultimate.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is now tasked with conserving the likes of Yamal and Oyarzabal quiet.
What have been the head-to-head stats within the first half of the Spain-Argentina last?
Spain noticed much more of the ball and loved 64.6 % possession. Additionally they had three pictures at purpose, in comparison with none for Argentina.
The South Individuals dedicated two extra fouls than their opponents and picked up one yellow card.
Spain have been awarded two corners up to now, while Argentina have had none.
