Overview
- Fernández received a second yellow for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi after an earlier caution for dissent, and the referee dismissed him late in the match.
- The sending-off reduced Argentina to ten players and forced them to play extra time with a defensive posture and few attacking opportunities.
- High-profile commentators including Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney criticized the tackle as reckless and avoidable, saying a player on a yellow must avoid risky challenges.
- Former referee Darren Cann said the decision was clearly correct and did not expect VAR to overturn the card, reflecting immediate expert agreement on the ruling.
- The red card sharply altered Fernández’s tournament narrative by following his semi-final goal that helped Argentina reach the final and it has raised questions about the team’s path in the closing stages.