Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for strict enforcement of the rules in the FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, emphasizing that referees must apply the laws of the game consistently throughout the match.
His comments come after controversy surrounding Argentina’s previous knockout match, where Egypt alleged biased officiating following its defeat in the Round of 16. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan and player Mostafa Ziko publicly criticized the referee’s performance, and the Egyptian Football Association later lodged an official complaint with FIFA over the match.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, De la Fuente said Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will have the crucial responsibility of ensuring the game is controlled fairly and within the framework of football’s laws.
“The referee must not show unnecessary leniency or allow players to exceed the limits of the rules,” De la Fuente said in an interview with Spanish newspaper Sport. “The boundaries established by the laws of football should always be respected.”
Despite stressing the importance of firm officiating, the Spain manager expressed complete confidence in the match officials.
“I have full trust in the referees,” he said. “At the same time, we know exactly how to approach and compete in a match of this magnitude.”
De la Fuente, who previously worked with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni during coaching education programs, believes Spain’s biggest challenge will be staying true to its own style of play rather than focusing on its opponent.
“Argentina will play in its own way, but our attention must remain on our own football,” he explained. “Our objective is to strengthen our game and continue improving our identity on the pitch.”
The Spanish coach also warned his players against abandoning their footballing philosophy under the pressure of a World Cup final.
“If we move away from our football philosophy and playing style, we will suffer,” De la Fuente said. “We are comfortable playing football the way we believe it should be played. We want to remain faithful to our ideas and avoid being distracted by any outside influences. That does not mean we expect Argentina to do anything inappropriate.”
Spain and Argentina are set to meet in one of the most anticipated World Cup finals, with both teams aiming to lift football’s biggest prize.
