Spain and Argentina have both been forced to cancel their final training sessions before the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Electrical thunderstorms in the area disrupted plans for both teams on Saturday.
Spain's Training Session Cancelled
La Roja were due to train at New York Red Bull's former base, Melanie Lane in Whippany on Saturday morning. The session was initially delayed due to electrical thunderstorms, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation reluctantly decided to cancel training altogether due to lightning in the area. It's understood Spain's players instead participated in an extended gym session indoors.
Coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed on Friday that Lamine Yamal will be fit to feature, despite a thigh issue from a blow that won Spain a penalty in their 2-0 semi-final victory over France on Tuesday. De la Fuente has no other injury concerns.
Argentina's Plans Also Disrupted
The reigning champions were initially scheduled to train at the Red Bulls Performance Center in Morristown, New Jersey at 11:30am local time. That session was also delayed due to lightning strikes. The AFA then cancelled the rescheduled session at 12:15pm local, as the adverse weather did not pass.
Lionel Scaloni had already expressed frustration with FIFA's scheduling of Argentina's training on Friday, stating: "Today they forced us to train at a time we didn't want, but with the conference and everything, we had to do a strange, quick training session, and we could hardly try anything out."
Coaches Look Ahead
Spain head coach De la Fuente is relishing the challenge against an opponent he respects greatly: "Just being in a final is a privilege. I'm not one for cliches. The important thing is to be there. I'd sign up to lose a World Cup final every year. That's how important it is. And on top of that, having the chance to fight for the win. You have to enjoy it. Against an opponent who has been outstanding ever since Scaloni took over."
Notably, Scaloni was mentored by De la Fuente during his FIFA Pro License Coaching course, adding a personal dimension to the final.
