Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was given a post-game red card for his behavior towards Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi -Credit:Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto, Getty Images
(Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto, Getty Images)
FIFA is poised to investigate Argentina’s conduct following the final whistle at the World Cup Final. Lionel Scaloni’s team triggered widespread condemnation for their actions after the 1-0 loss to Spain at MetLife Stadium, with players being witnessed becoming aggressive and even reportedly striking some of their rivals.
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Leandro Paredes received a red card after the final whistle for wrapping his hand around Spain defender Eric Garcia’s neck before knocking him to the ground. The Argentina midfielder then entered a heated altercation with Gavi, seeming to take a swing at his head before shoving him down.
Also embroiled in a post-match incident was Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, who seemed to lash out at Rodri as the Spain captain rushed to celebrate his team’s victory. Molina appeared to strike Rodri’s midsection, which triggered an angry response from the Manchester City star, who came charging over to challenge him, as per The Mirror.
-Credit:Lars Baron, Getty Images
On top of that, an irate Nicolas Otamendi, the 38-year-old Argentina defender, then himself confronted Rodri to address his and Aymeric Laporte‘s pre-match remarks concerning the referee.
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This occurred before Argentina coach Roberto Ayala, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career, seemed to launch a punch at Spain attacker Dani Olmo, with Garcia then compelled to intervene and separate them.
Now, following Argentina’s conduct, FIFA have opened an investigation, according to Sky Sports. It’s fair to say Argentina’s conduct didn’t sit well in England, with former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer tearing into La Seleccion as “terrible” while co-commentating for the BBC.
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them,” Shearer said. “There is no place or space for that. We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville, meanwhile, was unequivocal in his verdict on ITV.
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“It’s a disgrace,” Neville said. “I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives, [Lionel] Messi has propped them up, but it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart delivered a blunt assessment of Argentina’s antics while on BBC duty. “There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players,” he said.
“The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior.”
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Ferran Torres proved to be Spain’s decisive scorer in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernandez received a red card, reducing Argentina to 10 men. In reality, Luis de la fuente’s side were worthy victors, having registered 20 shots, 12 shots on target and four clear-cut opportunities across normal and extra time.
