Luis de la Fuente labels Argentina’s post-World Cup Final antics ‘intolerable and unacceptable’
The dust may have settled on the FIFA World Cup with players and coaches all settling back into their regular routines back home, but the memory of Sunday’s Final, and particularly the post-game brawl sparked by some of Argentina’s players, lives long in the memory.
Following Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute red card, Argentina held on to a goalless draw to force the game into extra time, having failed to register a single shot compared to Spain’s 20.
Lionel Scaloni’s side continued to hold Spain at bay through the first half of extra time, before substitute Ferran Torres finally broke down their defenses, winning the game early in the second half and sealing a second World Cup crown for La Roja’s men’s team.
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It was at this point that frustration boiled over for some within the Argentina camp, with Nahuel Molina striking Rodri in the chest, assistant coach Roberto Ayala pushing Dani Olmo, whilst Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before shoving Gavi to the ground. The FIFA disciplinary committee has since launched an investigation into the incidents.
As for De la Fuente, in a recent interview with Teledeporte, he admitted that, at the time, he was unaware of what was going on, noting that he “was likely celebrating with others or hugging teammates,” via an online translation.
He added, “Regardless, such behavior is intolerable and unacceptable; it simply cannot be allowed. These are players of immense caliber – whom I had praised in the days leading up to the match and continue to praise, as they are great players with a fantastic coach who surely felt just as bad as we did upon seeing those reactions.
“So, I insist: this is intolerable. However, what is worth highlighting is our own conduct; especially in the face of such aggression and provocation, our players always maintained their composure and the attitude of true sportsmen and great footballers.”
De la Fuente may believe the behavior of the likes of Paredes was “unacceptable,” but the Boca Juniors midfielder showed zero remorse when reflecting upon the Final in a social media post.
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“Thank you, Argentina! I love you today and always. Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves,” he said.
“But with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again! Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team.
“To this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honor to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”
As for Spain’s players, it is worth noting that Gavi has since said he doesn’t want to see Argentina punished. The Barcelona midfielder said, “I don’t think they should be sanctioned.
“I understand it’s not a good image for children, but that’s part of football. Perhaps the most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match.”
At the end of the day, it is Spain who went home with the last laugh, clinching another World Cup to once again claim bragging rights as the reigning World and European Champions as they did when they won the tournament in 2010.
But when quizzed on whether he believes he could guide them to another World Cup title in four years’ time, De la Fuente remained hesitant. “I tend to focus on the short term; I’m already thinking about the matches coming up in September and October,” he said.
“The next World Cup still feels a long way off – after all, we’re still savoring the moment and riding the high of what we’ve just enjoyed, plus there’s still more to come with this current campaign, right? But looking to the future, if the timing works out and all the footballing and professional goals one aspires to are met – well, why not?”
