NEW YORK — Spain captain Rodri believes his side must produce its best performance yet to defeat defending champion Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, saying La Roja has steadily built toward this moment over the past five years.Spain enters the final after winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024, achievements Rodri said laid the foundation for the team’s run to its second World Cup final.“We’ve been gradually growing,” Rodri said Friday. “We have to keep doing the same things we’re doing because it has been a process for all five years.”Spain has conceded just one goal in seven matches during the tournament, including a 2-0 semifinal victory over France, while outscoring opponents 13-1 since an opening draw against Cape Verde.“Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this,” Rodri said. “We’ve shown that this national team has been able to defeat great opponents.”While Spain’s disciplined defense has been central to its success, Rodri rejected the idea that the team relies on only one style of play.“I don’t think you’ve seen the same Spain across all the matches,” he said. “Sunday’s match will be quite different because it will be more physical and we must be prepared. We know how to play different games based on the moment. We can defend, counterattack or attack. We are a very complete team, and that is why we are here.”The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said Spain must improve even further against the reigning world champions.“Against France, we played one of our best games as a team,” Rodri said. “But against Argentina, I think we have to rise a level because they are the champions. I’m really confident that we can do it.”**Yamal declared fit**Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dismissed concerns over the fitness of teenage star Lamine Yamal after the winger trained with his left thigh wrapped following a knock suffered against France.“Today he participated in training with the other teammates, and he is fine,” de la Fuente said. “He is in optimal condition.”Yamal, who famously appeared in a 2007 UNICEF photograph with Lionel Messi as a baby, has drawn comparisons with the Argentina captain ahead of Sunday’s final.De la Fuente, however, insisted the teenager should focus on forging his own path.“Lamine has to be Lamine,” he said. “Messi is a once-in-history player and a role model for young players. But Lamine has to be himself. He has great potential and a great future.”**Coach unfazed before final**Despite concerns over air quality and other logistical issues surrounding the final, de la Fuente said he remains relaxed ahead of the biggest match of his coaching career.“The only thing that makes me nervous is taking the helicopter back,” he joked. “About everything else, I’m calm. We’re lucky to be in this situation, and we just want to enjoy this amazing moment.”
NEW YORK — Spain captain Rodri believes his side must produce its best performance yet to defeat defending champion Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, saying La Roja has steadily built toward this moment over the past five years.Spain enters the final after winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024, achievements Rodri said laid the foundation for the team’s run to its second World Cup final.“We’ve been gradually growing,” Rodri said Friday. “We have to keep doing the same things we’re doing because it has been a process for all five years.”Spain has conceded just one goal in seven matches during the tournament, including a 2-0 semifinal victory over France, while outscoring opponents 13-1 since an opening draw against Cape Verde.“Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this,” Rodri said. “We’ve shown that this national team has been able to defeat great opponents.”While Spain’s disciplined defense has been central to its success, Rodri rejected the idea that the team relies on only one style of play.“I don’t think you’ve seen the same Spain across all the matches,” he said. “Sunday’s match will be quite different because it will be more physical and we must be prepared. We know how to play different games based on the moment. We can defend, counterattack or attack. We are a very complete team, and that is why we are here.”The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said Spain must improve even further against the reigning world champions.“Against France, we played one of our best games as a team,” Rodri said. “But against Argentina, I think we have to rise a level because they are the champions. I’m really confident that we can do it.”**Yamal declared fit**Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dismissed concerns over the fitness of teenage star Lamine Yamal after the winger trained with his left thigh wrapped following a knock suffered against France.“Today he participated in training with the other teammates, and he is fine,” de la Fuente said. “He is in optimal condition.”Yamal, who famously appeared in a 2007 UNICEF photograph with Lionel Messi as a baby, has drawn comparisons with the Argentina captain ahead of Sunday’s final.De la Fuente, however, insisted the teenager should focus on forging his own path.“Lamine has to be Lamine,” he said. “Messi is a once-in-history player and a role model for young players. But Lamine has to be himself. He has great potential and a great future.”**Coach unfazed before final**Despite concerns over air quality and other logistical issues surrounding the final, de la Fuente said he remains relaxed ahead of the biggest match of his coaching career.“The only thing that makes me nervous is taking the helicopter back,” he joked. “About everything else, I’m calm. We’re lucky to be in this situation, and we just want to enjoy this amazing moment.”
