Spain’s World Cup final against Argentina changed direction under bright lights after Mikel Merino fouled Nicolás Otamendi mid-game. The referee whistled a foul and ruled out what would have been Spain’s equalizer, handing Argentina the lead. Merino also strong shot to the face from Lionel Messi, but remained on the pitch as Spain held onto a narrow lead with sturdy defending. Critics questioned the team’s tactics in the crucial phase of the match.