Argentina become first team to record no shots on target in World Cup final

Dubai: Argentina make unwanted World Cup history in the final against Spain, becoming the first team ever to fail to register a shot on target as they lose 1-0.

The defending champions arrived at the New York New Jersey Stadium with one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks, having scored three or more goals on six occasions throughout their World Cup campaign.

But when it mattered most, Lionel Messi and his teammates were completely nullified by a Spain side that produced a defensive masterclass again.

From the first whistle, Spain’s organisation and structure made life extremely difficult for Argentina’s forwards. Their compact defensive shape prevented the world champions from finding space between the lines, while their relentless pressing forced Argentina into rushed decisions and misplaced passes.

For a team that had been so clinical in front of goal throughout the tournament, Argentina struggled to create any meaningful opportunities.

Messi, who had produced moments of brilliance on the road to the final, was surrounded by Spanish shirts whenever he attempted to influence the game, while the supporting cast failed to find a way through.

Spain’s defensive discipline had been one of their biggest strengths throughout the tournament, and they delivered their best performance when the pressure was at its highest. Every attack was carefully managed, every passing lane was blocked and Argentina were unable to build any sustained momentum.

The result marked a remarkable turnaround from Argentina’s previous knockout performances, where their attacking firepower had repeatedly proved decisive.

But Spain ensured the final became a historic night for the wrong reasons for the reigning champions.

While Argentina will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams, their final performance will go down in history for a statistic they would rather forget.