Spain midfielder Dani Olmo reminded the Argentina squad they are an 'example for many generations' after they refused to watch the World Cup trophy lift. Spain became two-time World Cup winners with a 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday's final in New Jersey.
While the better side throughout, Luis de la Fuente's side were unable to break Argentina down in normal time. Spain had a numerical advantage in extra-time after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in injury-time for a second yellow card.
Argentina's snub sparks backlash
Argentina survived the first half of extra-time but scored immediately into the second, Ferran Torres finally putting Spain ahead from close-range. Lionel Scaloni's Argentina did not take a single shot at goal in normal time and while they searched for an equaliser, their quest to win back-to-back World Cups came up agonisingly short.
A protracted World Cup medal ceremony followed the final with Spain's players giving Argentina a guard of honour as they collected their silver medals. But the Argentina players had strolled to the far end of the pitch by the time Spain collected their gold medals, with most of Scaloni's squad facing their own supporters rather than the World Cup trophy lift.
Argentina's decision to snub Spain's World Cup trophy celebrations was widely criticised, with ex-England defender Stuart Pearce saying: 'That probably tells you a great deal, doesn't it?' talkSPORT host Adrian Durham added: 'Yeah, no class, whatsoever. They've been absolutely shocking. They've been a total disgrace here today. The fans, we think have been brilliant. But even during the trophy lift, also when Rodri went up to get the best player in the tournament trophy, the fans were singing Messi's name and they were singing Argentina as well. They simply cannot accept that Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final. Argentina are a total embarrassment to the game, an embarrassment to the World Cup. In fact, they have been an embarrassment all along really, apart from that 20 minutes against England.'
Olmo's response
Barcelona midfielder Olmo was the first Spain player to respond to Argentina's behaviour during the World Cup trophy lift. 'We don't care,' he initially said, before making a pointed comment about the Argentina squad. 'What's important are the values you want to transmit. We are an example for many generations, and I think they should be too. Now, we're going to enjoy it.'
Spain became European champions two years ago and have now won their first World Cup since 2010. 'Football won today,' legendary Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports. 'The way they play football, the way they played in this tournament – when you watch football, this is what you want to see. Today, Argentina, they had zero shots on goal. Best defence in the tournament? Spain, and the right team won.'
