world cup final<\/span> It’s still a novelty considering this is only the second time the country has gone this far. Rodri sees this as the culmination of all the years he has spent building up to this point. <\/p>\nWinning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024 laid the foundations for the success the team has achieved in the past few weeks. They face an even bigger challenge on Sunday when they face defending champions Argentina, but the Spain captain wants his teammates to be eager to win rather than fear losing.<\/p>\n
“We’ve grown gradually,” Rodri said Friday. “This is a process that has been going on for five years, so we have to keep doing what we’re doing.”<\/p>\n
Spain has conceded just one goal in the first seven games. 2-0 victory over France<\/span> In the semifinals. Since their impressive opening draw with Cape Verde, La Roja have outscored their opponents 13-1.<\/p>\n“Our goal coming into this World Cup was to win a trophy and we were confident we could achieve that,” Rodri said. \u201cThis national team has proven that it can defeat great opponents.\u201d<\/p>\n
The road to the finals included Mikel Merino scoring a game-tying goal late in the Round of 16 and the quarter-finals. That includes some stifling defense and nine saves. Goalkeeper Unai Simon<\/span>.<\/p>\nBut Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player, was furious at the idea that Spain had only one defined brand and expressed his belief that he can carry any style.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the same Spain in every game,” said the 30-year-old midfielder. “I think the game on Sunday is going to be completely different. It’s going to be a more physical game, so we have to be ready. And I think if we’re known for this national team, it’s that we know how to play different games depending on the moment. So we can adapt to what we have to adapt to defending, counter-attacking and attacking. We’re a very complete team and that’s why we’re here.”<\/p>\n
Sixteen years removed from Spain’s first World Cup victory, Rodri believes the group’s determination could be an inspiration. However, he is more focused on the individual and team growth that led to their run to the finals.<\/p>\n
“We can do better,” Rodri said. \u201cI think we played our best game as a team so far against France, but I think we have to step up our game against Argentina because they are the champions, and I’m really confident we can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spain coach Lamine Yamal insists he’s fine<\/h2>\n
Lamine Yamal<\/span> He was spotted with his left thigh wrapped during practice, sparking many concerns about the 19-year-old budding star’s status. Coach Luis de la Fuente downplayed concerns about Yamal when asked multiple times about him suffering an impact in the thigh against France.<\/p>\n“Today he practiced with the rest of his teammates and he’s doing well,” de la Fuente said. “He’s fine. He’s in great shape.”<\/p>\n
Yamal who was photographed<\/span> next to me like a baby lionel messi<\/span> In 2007 he is considered a possible successor to the title of best player in the world. This final could be the moment the torch goes out, but Yamal’s coach doesn’t want his players to think that way. <\/p>\n\u201cLamine has to be lamine,\u201d de la Fuente said. “Messi is a unique player in history, a role model and role model for youth and young players, both in his attitude and in his actions. At his age, he has played such a great game in the World Cup. I insist that Lamine should be that Lamine Yamal. The best way we can support him is to help him become the person we know today, because he has great potential and a great future.”<\/p>\n
Not much makes de la Fuente nervous.<\/h2>\n
The difficulty level is The threat of smoke in the air<\/span> And the quality of the pitch doesn’t bother De La Fuente. Returning to New Jersey was on his mind Friday after holding a press conference and other media duties in New York.<\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m nervous because I\u2019m going back by helicopter,\u201d he said. “I’m serious. I came here by helicopter and I have to get on the helicopter to get back, so I’m very nervous. Other than that, I’m calm. I’m lucky enough to be in this situation. I insist I just want to enjoy this wonderful moment.”<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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