Argentine media have roundly condemned Enzo Fernandez's performance in the World Cup final, where the Chelsea midfielder was sent off before extra time, leaving Argentina to play with 10 men in a 1-0 defeat to Spain. Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute.
Fernandez's Disciplinary Issues
Fernandez received his first yellow card for disputing a call by referee Slavko Vincic, then earned a second yellow for a late tackle on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time. BBC pundit Alan Shearer called the challenge "stupid," adding that Fernandez "cannot make a challenge like that" while on a yellow card.
La Nacion's Verdict
La Nacion gave Fernandez a rating of four out of ten, noting he "never looked comfortable" and seemed "playing out of sync." The outlet criticized his midfield performance as "too reserved to push forward" and deemed his challenge on Cubarsi as going "too far" at a "crucial moment."
Ole's Assessment
Ole also awarded Fernandez a four, stating the 25-year-old "lost his sparkle" after adopting a more defensive position. Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister were singled out as the players who "dropped furthest back." Ole described Fernandez as "tired and exhausted" when making the red-card challenge.
Clarin's Criticism
Clarin's report opened by saying the sending-off "capped off one of his worst matches of the tournament." Fernandez received a five rating, with Clarin maintaining he "failed to perform" in central midfield and "offered little in attack" after being pushed forward. The outlet suggested his first yellow card protests were "perhaps exaggerated by the referee," but the second was a clear "late challenge."
Argentina failed to register a single shot until the 117th minute, highlighting their struggles. Fernandez's red card came just days after he helped Argentina overcome England in the semi-finals.
