Reaching the World Cup final is still something of a novelty for Spain: this is only the country's second time getting this far, 16 years after its 2010 triumph. For captain Rodri, however, it is no accident but the culmination of a project built year after year.
"We've been gradually growing," Rodri said Friday. "We have to keep doing the same things we're doing because it has been a process for all five years." The midfielder, fresh from winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, leads a side whose current success was built on winning the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship.
The numbers tell the story: Spain has conceded just one goal in its first seven games, including a 2-0 win over France in the semifinals. Since a stunning opening draw against Cape Verde, La Roja has outscored its opponents 13-1. "Our goal when we got to this World Cup was to win the trophy, and we were convinced that we could achieve this," Rodri said. "We've shown that this national team has been able to defeat great opponents."
The path to the final was also shaped by Mikel Merino's late decisive goals in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, and by a rock-solid defense backed by nine saves from goalkeeper Unai Simón.
On Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, defending champion Argentina awaits. "I don't think you've seen the same Spain across all the matches," the 30-year-old midfielder said. "I think Sunday's match will be quite different, as it will be a more physical one and we must be prepared." Sixteen years after Spain's first world title, Rodri sees that group's determination as an inspiration, but stays focused on the present: "Against France, we played one of the best games we have ever played as a team. But against Argentina, we have to rise a level because they are the champions. And I'm really confident that we can do it."
Attention has also centered on Lamine Yamal: the 19-year-old, spotted in training with his left thigh wrapped after a knock against France, sparked concerns about his fitness. Coach Luis de la Fuente played it down: "Today he participated in training with the other teammates, and he is fine. He is fine. He is in optimal condition." Yamal, photographed as a baby alongside Lionel Messi in 2007, is viewed as the heir apparent to the title of best player in the world; this final could be a passing-of-the-torch moment, but his coach does not want him thinking that way. "Lamine has to be Lamine," de la Fuente said. "Messi is a one-of-a-time-in-history player, an example for the younger players. I insist Lamine has to be Lamine Yamal."
Smoke in the air and the quality of the pitch do not trouble the head coach, who admits just one worry: "I am nervous because we are going back by helicopter," he joked. "We got here by helicopter, and we have to take the helicopter to go back and that makes me really anxious. About everything else, I'm calm."
Sources
- AP News — Spain has built its team for several years and tournaments to reach the World Cup final: https://apnews.com/article/spain-world-cup-final-96f48f10b906b819d561c58acb9ea41c
