Laporte: Argentina 'like to leave a mark' on opponents

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has accused Argentina of employing overly physical tactics, stating that the reigning world champions 'like to leave a mark on their opponents' and that 'that sort of thing shouldn't be allowed in football.'

European champions Spain face Argentina in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (20:00 BST). The match pits two of the world's top teams against each other, with Argentina seeking their second consecutive World Cup title.

Argentina's physical approach under scrutiny

Argentina adopted a notably physical approach in their semi-final against England, committing 15 fouls in a match they won 2-1 with two late goals. Just three minutes into the game, midfielder Enzo Fernandez set the tone with a forceful challenge from behind on Elliot Anderson, appearing to strike the back of the England player's neck. Fernandez was not cautioned for the incident.

England fans also argued that Argentina's winning goal should have been disallowed for a foul by Lionel Messi on Djed Spence. The controversy has fueled debate about Argentina's tactics throughout the tournament.

Laporte's criticism

Laporte, a former Manchester City player who now represents Spain, told Spanish sports newspaper Marca: 'It's the referee's job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn't get out of hand. If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos.'

The 32-year-old added: 'I'm not at all worried about aggression within the context of football. If it's within the rules and the referee does their job, I have no problem with it. It is true, however, that in recent matches we've seen things that really surprised us - actions that were allowed to slide. Especially with Argentina. They're a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents. That sort of thing shouldn't be allowed in football - particularly in major competitions - because it can unsettle you and make you angry.'

Previous allegations of bias

This is not the first time Argentina's conduct has been questioned at the tournament. Egypt alleged bias in favor of Argentina and favouritism towards Messi after their last-16 meeting in Atlanta on 7 July. Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina scored three late goals, with the winner coming in the 92nd minute.

Spain's diplomatic response

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri adopted a more diplomatic tone when asked about Argentina's tactics in a news conference on Friday. De la Fuente, who is aiming to lead Spain to their first world title since 2010, said: 'I respect everybody's opinions and I would say I have the utmost admiration for [Argentina] who have been the champions of America and the world. I have admiration and further admiration.'

Manchester City midfielder Rodri added: 'We will see how the game plays out. I like to think [Argentina] are a team that gives their utmost and they don't go down that road. But if we enter such a stage of the game we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations.'

Focus on the final

De la Fuente, who confirmed that teenage winger Lamine Yamal is fit after sitting out training, preferred to focus on the spectacle of the final rather than Argentina's tactics. 'On Sunday we will watch a great show, two great national teams, very similar in some aspects in terms of attitudes and talent,' he said. 'I think it is going to be an amazing final, each team will try and take the game to their own side. I believe both Spain and Argentina will have a gameplan where talent and good football will rule over everything else. The referee will be there to support us and that the football is at a level expected of a World Cup final.'

Argentina, three-time world champions, are seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back men's World Cups. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was not asked about his side's tactics during his news conference on Friday. However, he spoke about his friendship with De la Fuente, formed in 2017 when De la Fuente was an instructor while Scaloni studied for his professional coaching licence. 'He knows me from a personal point of view,' Scaloni said.