Spain’s victory over Argentina in World Cup final was marred by violence after the final whistle
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off for kicking and punching Spain’s star player after the World Cup final (Image: (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images))
There were ugly scenes at the World Cup final, with Leandro Paredes receiving a red card for punching Spain star Eric Garcia and Gabi after the final whistle. Spain went on to win 1-0 in a one-sided match, and Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the second half of extra time, resulting in Argentina’s second red card.
In normal times, Argentina had to play the extra phase with 10 men after Enzo Fernandes was shown a red card for two yellow card violations just before the final whistle. The Chelsea midfielder was booked for dissent before a reckless challenge on Pau Kvarsi on the half-line, with referee Slavko Vincic giving the 25-year-old his marching orders.
Argentina held out for a penalty shootout, but Torres’ victory handed Spain their second World Cup victory, sparking frenzied scenes at full-time. When Argentina defender Nahuel Molina almost punched Rodri in the stomach, Spanish players rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.
The Man City star reacted and tried to confront the Argentine, but Spain defender Eric Garcia rushed in and separated the two players. As Lionel Scaloni tried to break up the scuffle, the Argentine midfielder joined in, kicking and grabbing Garcia in the throat.
Unused Spain substitute Gabi intervened and tried to push Paredes, but the 32-year-old retaliated with a punch, knocking the 21-year-old to the floor before players from both teams went into separate proceedings.
After the World Cup final, Leandro Paredes was involved in an ugly conflict with Gabi (Image: Getty Images)
“Does that surprise you?” Rooney asked the BBC expert on Full Time. “It’s not a surprise to me, I think we’ve seen something like this before against Argentina, but it’s just not the reaction you want.
“I saw some of the reaction after we eliminated England in the final round. It’s a shame because I think Enzo Fernandes also achieved what he deserved.”
“But it’s just sad. If you lose a soccer game, walk away gracefully. I feel so bad for them.”
Fellow pundit Joe Hart said: “It’s disgusting. There was one man on the pitch with class and that was Lionel Metz. He shook hands with all the Spanish players.”
“The game is over. They can’t complain at all about what happened today. It’s disgusting.
“I don’t think Rodri needed to get in their faces, but when you’re rolled up for 120 minutes and you feel like you’re being treated unfairly and you feel like the referee has your back and you’ve won and the referee blows the whistle, you want to leave it at that.
“And I think Argentina is too…Are you surprised that they crossed the line again?”
Leandro Paredes was sent off for contributing to the brawl (Image: Getty Images)
“It’s really embarrassing, because I admire the way Argentina approaches the game,” added Richards. “Yes, they know Spain is an on-the-ball batting team, but what can they do to destroy off the ball? And in the match, they were always on top.
“The first yellow card didn’t come until 40 minutes into the first half, but when you see something like that after the game and you’ve just been crowned World Cup champions, it’s not good enough. It’s pretty embarrassing to be honest.”
“Parade there, he doesn’t have to do that, he’s better than that. And it doesn’t stop there, it keeps going and keeps going.
“And we all know what it’s like to lose a game. We can be very frustrated. We understand that. But this is not good enough. It’s not a good look at all.”
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