'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
كريستيانو رونالد
2014: تشكيلة أسوأ اللاعبين في كأس العالم
2022: تشكيلة أسوأ اللاعبين في كأس العالم
2024: تشكيلة أسوأ اللاعبين في اليورو
2026: تشكيلة أسوأ اللاعبين في كأس العالم
استمرارية أسطورية على مستوى ثاني خالص 🐐