Argentinian television network TyC Sports has issued scathing assessments of four Argentina players following their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The defending champions failed to register a single shot on target during normal time and were reduced to ten men in the 93rd minute when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card, leaving Lionel Scaloni's side to endure extra time a man down.
TyC Sports ratings: Harsh criticism for De Paul, Fernandez, Simeone and Molina
In its post-match analysis, the channel 'thanked' the squad for their efforts throughout the tournament but did not hold back in evaluating individual performances. Rodrigo De Paul, who impressed in the semi-final win over England, was given a 4/10 rating. TyC Sports wrote: 'Unfortunately, he was inaccurate, his passing caused problems, and he was never solid in his attempts to disrupt Spain's attacking play. He also offered no surprises in attack; he was needed a lot, and this time he was absent. In the second half, he was completely absent, as in other matches of the World Cup. A poor performance, a lacklustre World Cup.'
Enzo Fernandez also received a 4/10 after his red card, which the outlet suggested may have cost Argentina a genuine chance of winning. They noted: 'He lost in his role as a “central midfielder,” he couldn’t find the ball, he didn’t win it back, and when he did have it at his feet, his long passes went forward. With no chance to establish fluidity in his play, he tried to get forward, but that’s when Spain made things even more difficult for him. His lacklustre performance didn’t improve when Paredes came on, and to make matters worse, a clumsy and mistimed tackle left the team with ten men. Enzo, the best player against England, didn’t have a good game this time.'
Giuliano Simeone and Nahuel Molina singled out
Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, was partly at fault for Spain's winning goal and received a 4/10. TyC Sports remarked: 'The effort and enthusiasm in every play were also accompanied by a lack of technique and poor judgment in making the right decision. He lost Ferran on the goal, misplaced many passes, and conceded an unexpected equalizer, but hey, Messi doesn’t always get those kinds of chances in the box. He ran and pushed, and that was it.'
The worst rating was reserved for Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, who came on at right back in the second half and was given a 3/10. The channel stated: 'Another poor performance, perhaps the worst, highlighting one of Scaloni’s biggest problems at this World Cup: the right flank. Molina was also caught out by another defensive lapse, which led to Spain’s goal. He struggled against anyone who attacked down that side; a match to forget and a very lacklustre World Cup for the Atlético Madrid full-back.'
Scaloni's reaction: 'Sad but proud'
Despite the defeat, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expressed pride in his team. 'I feel sad but I am aware that we played our hearts out,' he said. 'There are many things I would like to say, but I can’t really. I am forever thankful to these guys who have competed all the way. They were better to be honest. I have really fond memories of what they did and how difficult it is to get here. We must not forget everything we have done so far. I would like to tell the country that we played our hearts out.'
Spain's victory was sealed by Ferran Torres's extra-time winner, ending Argentina's bid for back-to-back World Cup titles. The European champions dominated possession and created the clearer chances, with Argentina's defensive resilience ultimately undone in the 105th minute.
