Alan Shearer has criticised Enzo Fernandez for his 'stupid' red card in Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, claiming the midfielder 'cost his country' by getting sent off in extra time. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain after coming off the bench, capitalising on Argentina being reduced to ten men when Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Fernandez sent off after reckless challenge
Fernandez was shown his first yellow card for dissent, and referee Slavko Vincic issued a second yellow after the Chelsea midfielder made a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Replays confirmed the decision was correct, though Fernandez protested by wagging his finger. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also involved in a melee, punching Dani Olmo in the throat, and Leandro Paredes received a red card after a confrontation with Gavi and Eric Garcia.
Shearer's criticism on The Rest Is Football
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Shearer said: 'Stupid! He got done for dissent which he should never have done. But to go into that tackle when you're already on a yellow card, it was already going to be bad enough anyway but going down to ten men… that's when they just thought Spain are going to win. He's cost his country massively. As much as he helped get them through to the final with that wonderful goal against England, he's cost his country.'
Richards criticises Paredes behaviour
Micah Richards also criticised Paredes for his 'embarrassing' behaviour after the match. 'The s***housery from Argentina. That's embarrassing [from Paredes], that. Win or lose, you've got to shake hands,' Richards said. He praised Spain's defence, particularly 19-year-old Cubarsi, calling him a 'superstar' for his performance. Richards noted: 'It's his football IQ. He's very good on the ball… But for Cubarsi to perform like that at 19 is just remarkable.'
Spain's World Cup triumphs
Spain captain Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, goalkeeper Unai Simon received the Golden Glove, and Cubarsi was named best young player. France forward Kylian Mbappe became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice, finishing as top scorer with ten goals.
