Argentina suffered a historic embarrassment on football’s biggest stage as they turned in a shockingly toothless display in the World Cup final against Spain.
Expectations were sky-high before kick-off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with fans anticipating an explosive performance from the reigning champions.
However, instead, the crowd in East Rutherford was subjected to a staggering lack of attacking ambition from Lionel Scaloni’s side, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat on the day.
The underwhelming display saw the holders write their names into the history books for all the wrong reasons by setting an unwanted all-time tournament record.
The defending champions became the first team in history to fail to record a single shot of any kind during the initial 90 minutes of a World Cup final.
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez were left utterly isolated upfront, starved of service as the midfield struggled to string passes together or breach the Spanish press.
Argentina failed to record a single shot in 90 minutes during Sunday’s World Cup final
Lionel Messi and Co. were defeated 1-0 by Spain after an underwhelming clash in New Jersey
The incredible statistic painted a clear picture of Spain’s tactical superiority, with the European champions dominating proceedings at a sunny MetLife Stadium.
They did eventually end their attacking struggles during extra time when Messi powered an effort at goal, only to see it blocked by Spain star Mikel Merino.
Argentina eventually ended the game with two total shots, while Spain had 20.
However, after the game, the final descended into chaos as fights broke out among the two sets of players.
Some of Argentina’s players lost their heads as Spain’s substitutes and staff ran on to the pitch to celebrate their 1-0 win against the South Americans.
Ferran Torres scored a 106th-minute winner after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off in the 93rd minute for a desperately poor Argentina side.
After the whistle, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off for punching Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground.
Argentina’s Nahuel Molina also punched Rodri in the torso as he was running by, while Thiago Almada was involved, too.
Several stars clashed after Spain’s 1-0 win as Argentina – but the South Americans started it
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was sent off after the whistle for getting violent with Spain
Micah Richards said of their behaviour on the BBC : ‘It’s embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time.
‘Seeing that sort of stuff after the game was played, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.’
Joe Hart added: ‘Disgusting behaviour. There was one man on that pitch with class and that was Lionel Messi.’
Wayne Rooney said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s just sad, very poor from them.
‘If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed. Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves.’
