Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said his team set a 'great example for our people and country' after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, a claim that contrasts starkly with the post-match brawl that erupted between the two sides.
Argentina fell agonisingly short of back-to-back World Cups as they were beaten 1-0 in extra time by Spain, who added the world title to their European crown. Scaloni’s side were hailed for their battling spirit en route to the final, overcoming several tense knockout games including a semi-final victory over England. However, they were outplayed by Spain and failed to register a single shot in normal time.
Argentina's Defensive Effort and Heartbreak
Argentina hoped to take Spain to penalties after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute, but Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner to break their hearts. Scaloni insisted he was proud of his team and said they set a 'great example' for those back in Argentina. That claim will surprise many onlookers given Argentina sparked a huge brawl after the final whistle, with Nahuel Molina punching Spain captain Rodri and Leandro Paredes grabbing Spain midfielder Gavi by the neck and throwing him to the floor.
'It's sad, but we gave it our all,' Scaloni told TYC Sports. 'I have a lot to say about how we got here, but it's not worth it right now. Eternal gratitude to these guys who reached another final and competed. They [Spain] were better, but I have great memories of this group. We have to value getting here, which was incredibly difficult. We are great in victory and we must be great in defeat. We accept that we lost, we gave everything, we arrived at a very crucial moment, but if they leave everything on the field like they did today, it's a great example for our people and country. You lose and you have to get back up again.'
Scaloni's Praise and Spain's Pride
'It's incredibly hard to get there, you have to acknowledge that. We would have liked to win, but I only have words of gratitude. You can play well or badly, but when you give your all like that, it's hard to find fault,' Scaloni added.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente expressed immense pride in his team. 'So much pride. Pride for this generation of footballers that have been growing with this idea, staying loyal to the idea, and doing their best. They are an example of a team, a group, a family, and a collective of great players that have been exceptional. I'm just so proud to have accompanied them on this journey, to have been there with them on this trajectory is an honour.'
'I can't really tell you how I feel. All I can say was it was worth it. Of course at the moment I am very emotional, particularly having watched from behind the scenes. I have spoken so much to the players, who said to me, 'Boss, we've won it all', and it's marvellous. This generation of players is an example for Spanish sport, for the Spanish youth. Together we are much stronger, and that is why we don't forget anyone.'
De la Fuente on the Final
'Of course we would have liked to win the game much sooner. The Martinez saves prevented us from doing so. We tried and tried to get on the scoresheet but weren't able to, but this is a World Cup final, even against ten men at the end we had to suffer. But, we like to suffer, and I'll say it again, we were prepared for everything,' De la Fuente concluded.
