"Marca": The Whole World Applauds Spain, Argentina Trampled Sporting Values with Shameful Behavior

It was expected, and indeed it happened, that the Argentine national team would try to compensate for their technical, tactical, and collective shortcomings against Spain with a significant dose of aggression.

The final unfolded as predicted: dominance and complete control from "La Roja" throughout the match, total superiority in every challenge. On the other side, a series of fouls, provocations, sharp clashes, unwarranted hits, excessive elbows, theatrics, and all sorts of tricks to unnerve and disrupt the Spanish players. All of this was according to script. And fortunately, De la Fuente's team was prepared for it. Beyond the tactical and footballing lesson, the difference in conduct on the field was also monumental.

Aymeric Laporte had already warned them: he hit the nail on the head with his statement on the front page of "Marca," even though Otamendi later feigned offense. The "messages," the dirty play, the attempts to break the rhythm, the constant interruptions, and actions on the edge of what's permissible continued throughout the match. The Slovenian referee was overly lenient, timid, and allowed some Argentine players (I won't name names, we know who they are) to finish the game, despite having ample reason to be sent off prematurely.

The Spanish victory was delayed, requiring extra time to materialize their overwhelming superiority. But it came. The entire world acknowledged that football delivered justice and that the new world champion was fully deserved. Messi's talent, which had carried his team to the final, leading a squad that progressed through rounds on the brink of their capabilities, was not enough against an exceptional team with such a clear identity and philosophy as the Spanish national team.

The whole world applauded Spain's victory. And congratulated the team for the exquisite football with which they earned their second star. Everyone, except Argentina, who, far from accepting defeat gracefully, continued to participate in a shameful spectacle. Sadness and disappointment are understandable. Feelings of frustration, anger, irritation, rage... but all within normal bounds. Other displays are absolutely reprehensible.

Who would have thought they would not only lose the match but also their good manners in such a disgraceful way? The cowardly blows inflicted by several "Albiceleste" players and coaching staff members on the Spanish footballers, without provocation, as they celebrated their title, were shameful. What a lack of class. How dirty. Not being able to lose is truly ugly. Some gestures were undignified.

One particular incident, unprecedented in football history, caused a global decline in the Argentine national team's reputation that will be very difficult to erase: all the "Albiceleste" players turned their backs on the Spanish team as they lifted their deservedly won trophy to the sky. This is one of the most despicable things ever seen in the history of World Cups.

Rarely have sporting values been trampled upon in such a disgraceful manner on a football pitch. This attitude, unbecoming of a national team that wears three stars on its emblem, was scorned even by many Argentine fans who do not identify with such behavior. Behavior that discredits them forever. A pity.

Before the match, one wondered why fans from all over the world supported Spain over Argentina. Now we know the reason.

Juan Ignacio Gallardo, "Marca"