'It was an extension of how Argentina had acted for the past six weeks, committing the most fouls of any team and backing themselves to see off every challenge through sheer belligerence.
'How fitting that such a crude approach should finally be crushed by Spain, the consummate technicians, and that Fernández should play the fall guy.
'After all, this was not the first time the midfielder had behaved reprehensibly. It was not even the first time this week. Against England he had announced himself in the semi-final by whacking Elliot Anderson on the back of the head, before celebrating his goal with a gesture to suggest that his critics had too much to say. Topo Gigio, it is called in Argentina, where a player cups his hands behind his ears and invites his adversaries to keep talking.'
Except in Fernández’s case, as @oliverbrown_tel says, they arguably do not talk enough 👇
https://t.co/2jTZZ3gKgd
Doomsday arrives December 18th.
Experience Avengers: Doomsday on bigger, brighter, & more immersive screens. Tickets are now on sale exclusively for Infinity Vision certified theaters: https://t.co/2HHPv9pj8t
¡GRACIAS INFINITAS, MUCHACHOS! No alcanzan las palabras para agradecerles cómo defendieron la camiseta. Nos hicieron llorar, gritar y, sobre todo, volver a creer. ¡Son eternos! 🩵🤍🏆
🗣️ Infantino: I suffered with Argentina
❌ Not the first Messi fix accusations
🗓️ Argentina historically favoured
🎲 Lopsided World Cup draw
🟥 Messi escapes red card
Telegraph Sport looks at some of the claims that Argentina’s name is already on the trophy ⤵️
https://t.co/rAt1Bl5UsA
🚨🏴🇦🇷 The appointment of American referee Ismail Elfath for Argentina vs England has sparked a strong reaction across the English media.
🗞️ Daily Mail: “Lionel Messi will have his favourite referee in the semifinal, despite theories claiming the World Cup is rigged.”
🗞️ The Sun: “FIFA chose the referee who officiated Lionel Messi's most important moment.”
🗞️ Daily Mirror: “Referee confirmed… and Argentina gets what it wanted.”
Adding fuel to the debate, Leo Messi's Inter Miami have won every match officiated by Ismail Elfath, including a cup final. 👀
Alright let me put one last test scenario for you slow witted fellas:
1. Lean forward and let someone put a foot in your calf
2. Stand or lean and let someone step on your ankle.
Now tell me the one that's worse. At least you might be honest for once!!
Just a reminder that USMNT striker Folarin Balogun received a red card after a VAR check on this challenge.
Earlier in the tournament, Lionel Messi didn’t get a yellow card or even a VAR check for a similar challenge.