Spain confront Argentina’s physical edge before final
Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday at 20:00 BST. The talk in the Spanish camp this week has centered on how the reigning champions play rather than the trophy itself.
Defender Aymeric Laporte, speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, said Argentina are “a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents” and “that sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football”. The 32-year-old former Manchester City player added: “It’s the referee’s job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn’t get out of hand. If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos.”
Argentina’s semi-final against England
Argentina reached the final by beating England 2-1. They scored two late goals in a semi-final where they committed 15 fouls.
Just three minutes in, Enzo Fernandez made a forceful challenge from behind on Elliot Anderson. He appeared to strike the back of the England player’s neck but was not cautioned.
England fans also believed the winning goal should have been disallowed for a foul by Lionel Messi on Djed Spence. Laporte told Marca: “It is true, however, that in recent matches we’ve seen things that really surprised us – actions that were allowed to slide. Especially with Argentina. They’re a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents. That sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football – particularly in major competitions – because it can unsettle you and make you angry.”
Earlier Egypt complaint and Spain’s restraint
Egypt alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favouritism toward Messi after the sides met in the last 16. The match took place in Atlanta on 7 July.
Egypt were leading 2-0 before Argentina came back to score three late goals. Their winner came in the 92nd minute for a 2-3 loss to Egypt’s opponents.
At a news conference in New York on Friday, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri avoided criticism of Argentina’s methods. De la Fuente, who is looking to lead Spain to their first world title since 2010, said: “I respect everybody’s opinions and I would say I have the utmost admiration for [Argentina] who have been the champions of America and the world. I have admiration and further admiration.”
Rodri said: “We will see how game plays out. I like to think [Argentina] are a team that gives their utmost and they don’t go down that road. But if we enter such a stage of the game we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations.”
Coaches’ focus on the final
Spain’s manager confirmed teenage winger Lamine Yamal is fit after missing training. He preferred to discuss Sunday’s matchup instead of Argentina’s tactics.
“On Sunday we will watch a great show, two great national teams, very similar in some aspects in terms of attitudes and talent,” De la Fuente said. He added that he believes talent and good football will rule and “the referee will be there to support us and that the football is at a level expected of a World Cup final.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was not asked about his side’s tactics on Friday. He instead spoke about his friendship with De la Fuente, formed in 2017 when De la Fuente was an instructor as Scaloni earned his coaching licence.
“He knows me from a personal point of view,” Scaloni said. “We are friends but that doesn’t mean he knows what I am thinking about when it comes to football. We haven’t really been talking about playing style. We do have similar patterns of play when it comes to trying to have possession of the ball. I hope the game on Sunday will be a great show.”
Stakes for Argentina
Three-time world champions Argentina are attempting to win back-to-back men’s World Cups. They would be the first team to do so since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962.
Those were consecutive tournaments for Brazil. Spain reached the final with a dominant victory over France.