Spain and Argentina are set to meet in the World Cup final on Sunday, with their respective managers, Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni, having guided their teams to the tournament’s climax despite not having managed a top-flight club game between them. Both managers have achieved significant success with their national sides, outperforming more high-profile coaches in the process.
Lionel Scaloni took over Argentina when the team had not won a major tournament in 25 years. He has since led them to major international trophies, including the previous World Cup and the Copa America. His appointment was initially met with scepticism, but he has fostered a strong sense of togetherness within the squad.
Similarly, Luis de la Fuente, who was promoted from Spain‘s U21 team, aims to add a World Cup to the country’s European Championship triumph. He also secured the Nations League just six months after replacing his predecessor in 2023. De la Fuente’s approach to building team spirit is highlighted by his players, with captain Rodri noting the importance of the ‘family’ atmosphere he has cultivated.
Their success contrasts with the struggles of other prominent managers at this World Cup. Thomas Tuchel, who previously managed several major European clubs, is facing scrutiny after England‘s semi-final elimination. Julian Nagelsmann departed his role after Germany‘s exit in the round of 32, and Carlo Ancelotti‘s Brazil did not progress past the last 16.
Both Scaloni and De la Fuente have demonstrated tactical acumen. Scaloni is known for his flexibility and ability to adapt to different game situations, allowing Argentina to defend deep, control possession, or play on the counter-attack. Alexis Mac Allister and Javier Mascherano have praised his clear ideas and adaptability.
De la Fuente‘s tactical expertise was evident in Spain‘s semi-final, where his team stifled their opponent’s attack with an effective out-of-possession setup. Rodri commented on the team’s strong performance, particularly their pressing and work rate without the ball.
The upcoming final will feature a clash of styles. Spain, known for its possession-based play, will aim to control the game through passing, with Rodri orchestrating the tempo. Argentina, on the other hand, is characterized by its aggressive and passionate approach, often unsettling opponents with intense challenges.
Argentina‘s strategy was observed in their semi-final against England, where they disrupted England‘s rhythm, allowing Lionel Messi to influence the game. This tactic has proven effective and is unlikely to change for the final.
The final is seen as finely balanced, with both teams having recent experience of lifting major trophies. Spain is the reigning European champion, while Argentina has secured major international titles consecutively. Both squads feature many of the same players, contributing to their cohesive team dynamics.
While Messi is often the decisive player for Argentina, Spain boasts Lamine Yamal, who is considered a potential successor to the Argentine star. The match is expected to be a compelling contest between two distinct footballing philosophies.
In the aftermath of Argentina‘s semi-final victory, players Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martínez unfurled a banner with the message “LAS MALVINAS SON ARGENTINAS” (The Malvinas (The Falklands) are Argentine). This political message, referencing the British-ruled Falkland Islands, could potentially lead to action from FIFA, as its Stadium Code of Conduct prohibits banners of a political nature.
FIFA has previously sanctioned players for similar actions, such as South Korea‘s Park Jong-woo in 2012. The incident has drawn comments from officials, with UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle calling the banner “entirely inappropriate” and expecting a thorough investigation from FIFA.
Lionel Messi currently leads the tournament’s scoring charts with eight goals, having surpassed Kylian Mbappé after registering two assists in the semi-final against England. Mbappé also has eight goals and will have another opportunity to add to his tally in the third-place match against England.
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Source: cnn.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
