Argentinian TV channel TyC Sports heavily criticised four players after Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain, with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez among those singled out for poor performances.
Defeat ends back-to-back hopes
Argentina were bidding to win consecutive World Cups at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night but suffered a 1-0 loss to Spain. Lionel Scaloni's side did not register a single shot on goal in normal time, though they produced a defiant defensive display to shut out the European champions. Argentina's cause was not helped by Fernandez's red card in the 93rd minute, leaving the defending champions down to ten men for the entirety of extra-time. They were just 15 minutes from a penalty shootout when Spain finally broke their resistance through Ferran Torres's extra-time winner.
TyC Sports ratings spark backlash
National TV channel TyC Sports 'thanked' the team for their efforts throughout the World Cup but reluctantly criticised four players from the final, giving them 4/10 ratings or worse. They said De Paul, who made a huge impact in the semi-final win over England, 'caused' Argentina problems with his 'inaccurate passing'. 'Unfortunately, he was inaccurate, his passing caused problems, and he was never solid in his attempts to disrupt Spain's attacking play,' they wrote. 'He also offered no surprises in attack; he was needed a lot, and this time he was absent. In the second half, he was completely absent, as in other matches of the World Cup. A poor performance, a lacklustre World Cup.'
Fernandez was given the same rating after a red card that may have cost Argentina a genuine chance of winning the World Cup. 'He lost in his role as a "central midfielder," he couldn't find the ball, he didn't win it back, and when he did have it at his feet, his long passes went forward,' TyC Sports said. 'With no chance to establish fluidity in his play, he tried to get forward, but that's when Spain made things even more difficult for him. His lacklustre performance didn't improve when Paredes came on, and to make matters worse, a clumsy and mistimed tackle left the team with ten men. Enzo, the best player against England, didn't have a good game this time.'
Harsh reviews for Simeone and Molina
Giuliano Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego, was partly at fault for Spain's winning goal and paid the price with a brutal review. 'The effort and enthusiasm in every play were also accompanied by a lack of technique and poor judgment in making the right decision,' TyC Sports said. 'He lost Ferran on the goal, misplaced many passes, and conceded an unexpected equalizer, but hey, Messi doesn't always get those kinds of chances in the box. He ran and pushed, and that was it.'
The worst match rating was reserved for Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina, who came on at right back in the second half and received a 3/10. 'Another poor performance, perhaps the worst, highlighting one of Scaloni's biggest problems at this World Cup: the right flank,' they wrote. 'Molina was also caught out by another defensive lapse, which led to Spain's goal. He struggled against anyone who attacked down that side; a match to forget and a very lacklustre World Cup for the Atlético Madrid full-back.'
Scaloni proud despite defeat
Argentina manager Scaloni insisted he was 'sad' but 'proud' of his team after they fell short. 'I feel sad but I am aware that we played our hearts out,' he said. 'There are many things I would like to say, but I can't really. I am forever thankful to these guys who have competed all the way. They were better to be honest. I have really fond memories of what they did and how difficult it is to get here. We must not forget everything we have done so far. I would like to tell the country that we played our hearts out.'
