Rodri wants Spain to be bold and courageous against Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium as La Roja look to add a second star to their apex
Rodri is looking to add the World Cup to his growing trophy collection
Spain captain Rodri insists La Roja “need to be eager to win rather than afraid of losing” against Argentina.
The comments, combined with doubts about Argentina’s ability to turn the tide with Wednesday’s dramatic semi-final victory in Atlanta, highlighted the differences in mentality between Spain and England.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri told a press conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan, New York: “This will be the perfect test to see if we can get through the World Cup against the most in-form opponent. I already told the players in the semi-finals that they have to be eager to win rather than afraid of losing, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-finals in Dallas.
Rodri also paid tribute to Argentina great Lionel Messi, but insisted there was more to the reigning champion than the evergreen 39-year-old captain, who has scored eight goals and provided four assists in this competition.
“Argentina are more than Messi, they have proven to be a very complete team. We are the two best-playing teams overall.”
“To reach two World Cup finals speaks volumes about process, development, performance and being the most in-form team and the team to beat. It’s a great achievement. I think Sunday’s game will be different. It will be more dueling, more physical.”
Lamine Yamal deserves to play against Argentina in the World Cup final (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Spain coach De La Fuente also confirmed that star winger Lamine Yamal is fit to play.
The Barcelona teenager did not take part in Thursday’s team training session and was seen wearing a bandage on his left thigh as he separated from the main group.
The Euro 2024 winner’s coach said: “He suffered a strong impact during the penalty incident. He felt a little uncomfortable and yesterday we wanted him to rest. Today he trained with all his team-mates and they are all available.”
|Lamine is the player we have always known because he has to be himself and he has incredible potential. ”
Comparing Yamal to Messi, he said: “Lamine has to be Lamine.Messi is one of the rare players in history, especially his title in this competition and his actions at this age, he is a role model and an example for young people and young players.”
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