De la Fuente: World Cup final will be a 'spectacular show'

Luis de la Fuente, head coach of the Spanish national football team, expressed great admiration for the Argentine team, stressing that the World Cup final will be a 'wonderful football spectacle'.

Although some circles described Argentina as playing aggressively after their victory over England in the semi-finals, De la Fuente praised his counterpart Lionel Scaloni and his players ahead of Sunday's match.

De la Fuente said in a press conference, as reported by Spanish newspaper Marca: 'It will be a great match. We are facing two very big teams with many similarities. Each of us will try to impose our style to serve our interests, but both teams will present a match where creativity and talent will be the decisive elements.'

He added: 'I have great admiration for the Argentine team. They have made history recently, and they are led by a coach I consider a friend. Each side will rely on their football weapons, but in the end, this is just a football match.'

For his part, Spanish captain Rodri stressed that his team will not be drawn into any attempts to provoke them by Argentine players.

The Manchester City midfielder said: 'This is just another aspect of football. We'll see how the match goes.'

He added: 'I like to think they are a team that gives their all and seeks to decide matches, but if any provocation occurs, we won't be drawn into it and will ignore it.'

De la Fuente downplayed concerns about the physical condition of his star Lamine Yamal, and spoke about how to stop Lionel Messi, saying: 'We will not assign a player to man-mark him, but we will be vigilant towards him.'

Regarding the extension of the half-time interval for a show featuring Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, Spain's coach said: 'Before we started this journey, I spoke to the players about the peculiarities of the World Cup, and this is one of them.'

He added: 'We have not complained even once. Everything that seems strange to us today may become normal in a few years. That's how it is.'

British news agency PA Media reported that the Spanish team looks forward to adding a second World Cup title, after the one they won in 2010, as they aim to be European champions and world champions.

Rodri said: 'Our goal from the beginning was to reach where we are now. We wanted to win the World Cup, and we know we are capable of that.'

He added: 'We have proven that we can overcome big opponents, and now we face the toughest opponent yet. This match will be the perfect test to see if we are capable of lifting the World Cup. Our passion to win must be greater than our fear of losing.'

For his part, Scaloni confirmed in his press conference that his team enters the final match in 'good condition'.

He added, according to the official website of the Argentine Football Association: 'We have to give our best if we want to win.'

He continued: 'I think we are in good shape, although there are always things to improve.'

Messi, 39, is preparing for his third World Cup final, and Scaloni highly praised the Inter Miami star.

He said: 'It's amazing that Leo reaches the final at this stage of his career, at the age of 39.'

He added: 'We must appreciate what he offers, as well as the history and legendary status that he and this group of players, who have given us wonderful years, enjoy.'

He stressed: 'We hope to win, but the journey itself has been exceptional, and it represents a role model for everyone.'