In Argentina FIFA World Cup Spain’s final defeat has come under scrutiny after new footage emerged on social media showing an attempt to influence the outcome of Enzo Fernandez’s red card. Lionel Scaloni’s side lost 1-0 after extra time at New York’s New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in the 106th minute to give Spain their second World Cup title. However, much of the discussion after the match has been about Argentina’s performance during and after the final. The latest video looks at what happened after Fernandez was sent off in the second half. Just days after scoring the winner against England in the semi-finals, the Chelsea midfielder endured a frustrating night, picking up a second yellow card in the 93rd minute after a challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. Fernandez immediately challenged the decision, but replays showed that his actions left little doubt in the referee’s call. New photos circulating on the Internet have added to the controversy. The video appears to show Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico standing unchallenged near the Spain penalty area after suddenly grabbing his ankle and falling to the ground after Fernandez committed the foul. A few seconds earlier, Tagliafico was on the move, without the Spanish player around. The same pictures are taken again Lionel Messi rush to the referee Slavko Vincic immediately after receiving the red card. The Argentinian captain pointed at the steady Tagliafico, seemingly trying to draw the referee’s attention to the incident. Although any suspension for Tagliafico would not have affected the result, Argentina appear to be hopeful that it will encourage officials to review the circumstances that led to Fernandez’s dismissal. The effort was unsuccessful, with Fernandez receiving a red card and Argentina forced to see out the rest of the game with 10 players. Scaloni initially changed his side by asking Julian Alvarez to drop deep and help cover up the numbers problem. As Spain continued to dominate possession, the Argentine coach eventually brought on another defender, leaving Messi isolated in attack. Spain’s pressure was rewarded early in extra time when substitute Ferran Torres found the net in the 106th minute, sealing the biggest win of the World Cup. Tempers grew as the final whistle blew. Nahuel Molina was seen punching Spain captain Rodri during the celebration, while Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the neck before pushing Gavi to the ground, sparking a brawl involving players from both teams. The ugly pictures drew strong criticism from former England defender Micah Richards, who questioned Argentina’s actions after the defeat. “It’s a shame. They were on top every time. To see things like that after the game, it’s not good, it’s a shame to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not enough.” Former England captain Wayne Rooney he also criticized Argentina’s performance, saying that their performance showed frustration after a great night’s performance. “We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s sad, very poor for them. When you lose a football game, be kind. It’s not for them to be tested. Enzo Fernandez got what he deserved.”
