Argentina figured in some of the most exciting matches in this year’s World Cup but while fans applauded Lionel Messi’s brilliance on the pitch, there was widespread disappointment on his teammates’ behavior during and after the final against Spain.
In eight matches, La Albiceleste went without a yellow card only thrice – against Algeria, Jordan and Egypt. Argentina was given 14 total yellow cards and averaged 13.9 fouls. In the final, coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad received five yellow cards compared to none for Spain. Enzo Fernandez was shown two yellow cards, one for yelling at a referee on a non-call in the 82nd minute and another for tackling Pau Cubarsi in the third minute of stoppage time. The two yellow cards added up to a red card, causing ejection. The tackle on Cubarsi was vicious as he was hurtled spinning in the air.
It was evident that Spain’s stifling defense took the wind out of Argentina’s sails. Argentina was exasperated and never had a shot on target, an almost unbelievable stat considering its offensive firepower. In the tournament, Argentina scored 19 goals and Spain, 14. The frustration led to a lot of roughhousing on the field, leading to 45 fouls, 24 by Argentina.
What was particularly shameful was Argentina’s behavior after the match. Leandro Paredes shoved Eric Garcia by the throat then pushed Gavi to the ground. It was bedlam on the pitch and another Argentine player Nahuel Molina was accused of punching Golden Ball awardee Rodri. When Spain was declared champion on the podium, some of the Argentine players turned their backs in a blatant display of unsportsmanship. The final was physical, testy and sometimes, beyond borderline dirty but at the end of it all, there should be celebration not contempt. To make matters worse, Argentina snubbed the mandatory mixed-zone media post-game interviews. What a poor example to fans, especially the youth who dream of someday, playing the game like their idols. A similarly disruptive final was held at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where 14 yellow cards were issued, Dutch player John Heitinga was ejected and Spain beat the Netherlands, 1-0, in extra time.
FIFA will conduct an investigation to determine if Argentina should be sanctioned. In the aftermath of the semifinal against England, two Argentine players unfurled a banner regarding the Falklands, a violation of FIFA’s edict to disassociate competitions from political color. This will also be subject to investigation if sanction is warranted.
Former Philippine national football player Danny Moran commented on the final: “I expected much more from Argentina both in terms of quality of their football and their respect for the spirit of the game. Messi, however, stood out as the only player who consistently displayed maturity, composure and true sportsmanship throughout the match. Spain proved to be the better team in every aspect, balanced, youthful, immensely-talented and exceptionally, well-coached. Their tactical approach effectively neutralized what often became a one-man attack centered around Messi.”