Spain’s forward Lamine Yamal, who had fitness concerns after a knock in the semifinals, is now set to play in the World Cup final against Argentina, confirmed head coach Luis de la Fuente. Yamal, 19, missed a training session due to the knock but has recovered well and is in optimal condition for the crucial match.
De la Fuente emphasized the importance of the final training session on Saturday to address any potential setbacks before the match at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Both Spain and Argentina are gearing up for a highly anticipated clash, with Spain aiming for their first World Cup title since 2010, while Argentina seeks back-to-back victories and their fourth overall.
The coach highlighted the similarities between the two teams in terms of playing style and attitude, expressing confidence in witnessing a spectacular match. While Spain has excelled with a possession-based game and solid defense, Argentina has shown resilience with late goals in their knockout games.
De la Fuente acknowledged the threat posed by Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, who has been instrumental in his team’s success. Despite Messi’s prowess, the coach revealed that they do not plan to man-mark him, opting instead to focus on team strategy and staying vigilant throughout the game. He advised Yamal to play his natural game and not try to emulate Messi, emphasizing the importance of individual strengths.
