Spain was forced to cancel its final practice for the World Cup final due to thunderstorms in New Jersey. Argentina was also forced to postpone Saturday’s work, with only a light session held outdoors once the weather improves.
Air quality is a top concern heading into the final week of the tournament as Canadian wildfires spread smoke across the eastern United States. Spain did not cancel outdoor training on Thursday, despite authorities issuing health alerts citing the situation in New Jersey and New York and urging residents to stay indoors and reduce outdoor exercise.
La Roja was scheduled to train Saturday morning at the New York Red Bulls’ former facility, Melanie Lane in Whippany. However, the session was initially postponed due to thunderstorms across New Jersey.
The Spanish Royal Football Federation then reluctantly chose to cancel training altogether due to nearby lightning activity. The Spanish national team was apparently planning to practice for a long time in an indoor gym as an alternative.
Their head coach Luis de la Fuente said there is no injury concern after confirming Lamine Yamal is available for selection on Friday. The winger has been suffering from a thigh problem since receiving the shock penalty in Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s training regime was similarly chaotic. The reigning champions were originally scheduled to take to the pitch at 11:30 a.m. local time at the Red Bulls Performance Center in Morristown, New Jersey, but the session was postponed due to lightning. AFA then rescheduled the session to 12:15pm local time, with players finally taking to the rain-soaked grass.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the timing FIFA mandated for Argentina’s Friday training, saying: “Today we were forced to train at a time we didn’t want, but with conferences and other things, we had to have a strangely rushed training session and we couldn’t try almost anything.”
De la Fuente previously coached Scaloni on the FIFA Pro Licence coaching course and is relishing the prospect of playing against someone he rates highly. The Spain coach said: “It’s an honor just to get to the final. I’m not a clichéd person. What’s important is to be there. I would sign up every year with the intention of losing in the World Cup final.”
“It’s that important. Besides, we have the chance to fight for the win. We have to enjoy it. It’s against an opponent who has been outstanding since Scaloni took over.”
