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Lisandro Martinez in floods of tears as Man Utd star suffers World Cup final agony

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez suffered a cruel injury blow during the first half of the World Cup final

[Lisandro Martinez]

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Lisandro Martinez was in tears after being forced off with an injury in the World Cup final against Spain(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was spotted in floods of tears after being forced off the pitch during the World Cup final against Spain. The 28-year-old started the final in the heart of defence alongside Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, but had to be replaced just before the half-time interval with an injury.

It was a tight, nervy first half display from both teams, though Spain looked the most likely to score with Argentina failing to register a single shot inside the opening 45 minutes. Marc Cucurella had just curled an effort just wide of Emi Martinez's goal in the 43rd minute, when Martinez hit the floor.

The United defender had been booked for a late foul on Mikel Oyarzabal just moments earlier, for stopping a Spanish counter attack in its tracks. However, 'The Butcher' was unable to continue and was replaced by former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi in the 44th minute.

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Martinez left the pitch in tears after being unable to carry on. The former United defender was consoled by Martinez before making his way off the pitch.

[Lisandro Martinez is consoled by Emi Martinez before he is replaced in the World Cup final.]

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Lisandro Martinez is consoled by Emi Martinez before he is replaced in the World Cup final vs Spain(Image: (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))

The United defender has been a mainstay in the Argentina defence en route to the final, but was visibly distraught after making his way off. He was seen crying, with his head in his hands on the bench.

Argentina were second best throughout the first half, with Spain boasting 65 per cent possession, registering three shots, two of which came on target.

The European champions got off to a fast start when Lamine Yamal burst into the box just five minutes into the game. The Barcelona winger tried to cross into the box, but the ball fell to Dani Olmo on the edge of the area.

The Barca playmaker found Yamal in acres of space inside the 18-yard box, driving to the byline and trying to pick out the bottom corner.

However, a combination of both Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez kept the young Spanish star at bay.

[Lisandro Martinez]

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Lisandro Martinez's World Cup final participation was cut short(Image: BBC Sport)

Argentina were content to sit behind the ball with Lionel Messi as their sole man in attack. Spain kept probing and Oyarzabal called Martinez into action again in the 39th minute.

Fabian Ruiz poked the ball through to the Spanish striker, who rifled a first time left-footed effort down low into the corner, but Martinez was equal to it, keeping the score locked at 0-0 at the half-time interval.

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