NEW YORK, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentina and Spain were level at 0-0 at halftime of the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
Spain took the initiative early at New York New Jersey Stadium, controlling possession and looking more dangerous when going forward.
Lamine Yamal forced a block from Emiliano Martinez after being released by Dani Olmo and the Argentine goalkeeper again intervened shortly after to deny Mikel Oyarzabal.
Argentina rarely forayed inside its final third as forwards Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez struggled for opportunities and space.
Marc Cucurella posed a constant threat on Spain's left flank and fired a long-range effort narrowly wide just before halftime.
Spain was seeking its second World Cup trophy while Argentina was vying to become champion for a fourth time and the first back-to-back winner since Brazil in 1962.
