Days after Spain defeated Argentina to lift the World Cup, the drama that unfolded after the final whistle continues to dominate the headlines.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has become the latest figure to condemn Argentina’s conduct towards the Spanish players after the World Cup final, praising his own squad for refusing to react.
La Roja won the match against Albiceleste by a narrow score of 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres‘s goal in extra time to secure their second world title in their history.
However, Argentina players clashed with Spanish players after the final whistle, a situation that is currently being investigated by FIFA.
Describing the post-match incidents as unacceptable, De la Fuente, speaking to TVE during a visit to Teledeporte with the World Cup trophy, also reflected on his side’s achievement.
Spain players celebrate winning the FIFA World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“At the time, I didn’t realise what was happening because I was celebrating with other people, hugging teammates,” he admitted. “In any case, I find it intolerable and unacceptable from players of that caliber, whom I’ve been praising in the days leading up to the match and who have a fantastic coach.”
He also praised Spain’s response, adding: “I think it’s worth highlighting the behavior of our players in the face of those provocations. They maintained their composure at all times, like good sportsmen and footballers.”
De la Fuente also spoke about the joy the World Cup success has brought to supporters, insisting seeing the country celebrate means even more to him than his own achievement.
“It’s the leitmotif of the national team,” De la Fuente said. “We truly feel it, we feel like one big family. We’ve been together for 52 days since the training camp in Las Rozas without a single problem, and that goes far beyond the purely professional, there’s a feeling there that goes much deeper.
“I don’t know if it’s a second victory or if it’s on the same level. What makes me happy is seeing people happy, more than myself. Seeing a united country, knowing that together we achieve more – that’s not just my own saying, it’s a great source of pride. I still need more days to process it, and I think I’m starting to understand.”
