Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has accused World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic of making a costly error that contributed to Enzo Fernandez's sending off during the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain on Sunday.
Fernandez's dismissal proves decisive
The Chelsea midfielder, who scored a sensational equaliser against England earlier in the tournament, was shown a second yellow card in the 93rd minute for a needless lunge on the halfway line that sent Pau Cubarsi into orbit. While Scaloni admitted there could be no arguments about the second caution, he felt the match official was overzealous 10 minutes earlier when he booked Fernandez for dissent.
'Enzo's sending-off, I think the referee could have avoided giving him that first yellow card, but well, it is what it is,' said an emotional Scaloni in his post-match press conference. 'It's a final, there are things that could have been avoided, but it's over now.'
Spain capitalise on numerical advantage
Fernandez's rush of blood left Argentina at a numerical disadvantage that was almost immediately exploited in extra time when Ferran Torres stroked home the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the defeat, Scaloni could not hide his pride in a group of players who had defied the odds to reach the final.
'It was a dream to play for everyone and we tried up until the very last minute,' Scaloni said. 'The staff, the players and me. I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think things through.'
Scaloni and Messi ponder futures
Scaloni, who will now assess his future before making a decision on whether to stand down, reflected on the difficulty of continuing. 'This place is wonderful. It is a dream place. I never in my life would've thought — including my staff — that we would be at this place. So to continue you need a great deal of things: resetting your mind and rebooting because creating a group like this again is very difficult. And this is really painful. I'm very sorry.'
Lionel Messi, too, is yet to make a decision on his international future amid speculation he will call time on his glittering career. 'He's 39 years old, it's unbelievable,' Scaloni said. 'There's nothing new to discover from my side. It was crystal clear he was going to play until he decided not to. All of our people support him and I hope everyone is proud of what he's achieved because he's the best player to ever stand on a pitch.'
