Spain face Argentina in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST. European champions Spain take on reigning world champions Argentina, and the build-up has been dominated by concerns over Argentina’s physical style of play.
Spain defender Laporte, 32, has been the most outspoken on the matter. “They’re a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents,” he said. “That sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football – particularly in major competitions – because it can unsettle you and make you angry.” Laporte also pointed to recent matches where he felt certain actions were allowed to go unpunished, adding that if one or two players are permitted to act that way, “the match descends into chaos.”
Argentina’s tournament has not been without controversy. Enzo Fernandez escaped without even a caution after a forceful challenge on Elliot Anderson from behind just three minutes into a previous match, appearing to strike the back of the England player’s neck. England fans also felt Argentina’s winning goal in that game should have been disallowed for a foul by Lionel Messi on Djed Spence. Argentina have also shown their resilience, coming from 2-0 down against Egypt to score three late goals, with their winner arriving in the 92nd minute.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking at a news conference in New York on Friday, took a more measured tone. “I respect everybody’s opinions and I would say I have the utmost admiration for them, who have been the champions of America and the world,” said De La Fuente, who is aiming to lead Spain to their first world title since 2010. Captain Rodri was similarly composed, saying Spain must simply ignore any provocations and focus on their own game if the match heads in that direction.
“I like to think they are a team that gives their utmost and they don’t go down that road,” said the Manchester City midfielder. “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.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
