BBC pundit Wayne Rooney delivered scathing verdicts on multiple aspects of the World Cup final. The England icon followed the action from inside the stadium on Sunday, where Spain overcame Argentina to lift the World Cup for a second time. The game was goalless until Ferran Torres' 106th-minute goal in extra time, while Argentina sought to frustrate their rivals and failed to register a shot until the closing stages.
Despite not being an end-to-end game, there was plenty of off-field action for pundits to dissect. The prolonged half-time entertainment, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presenting the trophy alongside US President Donald Trump and Argentina's conduct after the game were among the topics Rooney and his BBC colleagues Micah Richards and Joe Hart were asked to discuss. Former England forward Rooney was brutally honest when sharing his thoughts.
Half-Time Show Slammed
Following the opening 45 minutes, focus shifted to the contentious half-time show, which extended the break in play to 30 minutes. The entertainment began with Madonna being driven pitchside by Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, followed by performances from Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and more. However, the Super Bowl-style spectacle failed to impress Rooney.
When pressed by BBC presenter Gabby Logan to name his standout moment, Rooney replied: "I'm going to be honest, mine was when it finished. I like a lot of these artists, but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly. It just didn't get me going. I just want the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat."
Hammers Argentina
In the wake of his side's defeat to Spain, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina appeared to strike Rodri. Leandro Paredes, who later received a red card, also grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and dragged Gavi to the ground. Enzo Fernandez had previously been sent off for Argentina shortly before extra time. Rooney tore into the side's response to the final whistle, though he admitted to not being shocked by Argentina's reaction.
"It doesn't surprise me. We've seen it with Argentina before," Rooney said on the BBC. "It's not the reaction you want. We saw it after knocking England out in the last round as well. I think Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves as well. It's disappointing. That's just sad. If you lose a game, get out of there. It's really poor from them."
He added: "It's a reaction to them being outplayed, outfought, outthought. They resort to that at the end. It's sad. It's poor from the Argentina team."
Blasts FIFA President
Following the post-match brawl, Rooney turned his fire on FIFA president Infantino, who opted to walk out onto the pitch alongside Trump. Both men were greeted with a chorus of boos as they made their way out for the medal ceremony, but Rooney focused his scorn on Infantino's decision to pair gleaming white trainers with his suit. He said: "I'm speechless at Infantino's trainers. He has to represent FIFA better than that with those trainers on - stupid."
