World Cup final carnage as Spain scrap training amid Argentina problem | Football | Sport
Spain had to abandon their final training session ahead of the World Cup final due to thunderstorms in New Jersey. Argentina also had to delay their work on Saturday and only managed a light session outside once the weather improved.
Air quality has been the main concern heading into this final weekend of the tournament, as wildfires in Canada have spread smoke across the eastern United States. It did not stop Spain from training outdoors on Thursday, despite officials issuing a health alert and urging residents to remain indoors and reduce outdoor exertion due to conditions in New Jersey and New York.
La Roja had planned to train at the New York Red Bulls’ former facility, Melanie Lane in Whippany, on Saturday morning. However, the session was initially postponed due to thunderstorms across New Jersey.
With reluctance, the Royal Spanish Football Federation subsequently opted to scrap training entirely due to lightning activity in the vicinity. It is understood that Spain’s squad were scheduled to undertake an extended indoor gym session as an alternative.
Their head coach, Luis de la Fuente, faces no injury concerns after confirming on Friday that Lamine Yamal will be available for selection. The winger has been struggling with a thigh problem after sustaining a knock that earned Spain a penalty during their 2-0 semi-final victory over France on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s training arrangements were similarly disrupted. The reigning champions were originally scheduled to take to the pitch at the Red Bulls Performance Centre in Morristown, New Jersey, at 11:30am local time, but the session was postponed due to lightning strikes. The AFA subsequently rescheduled the session to 12:15pm local time and the players eventually took to the rain-soaked turf.
Lionel Scaloni had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing FIFA had mandated for Argentina’s Friday training, stating: “Today they forced us to train at a time we didn’t want, but with the conference and everything, we had to do a strange, quick training session, and we could hardly try anything out.”
De la Fuente is savouring the prospect of facing an opponent he holds in high regard, having previously guided Scaloni during his FIFA Pro Licence coaching course. The Spain coach said: “Just being in a final is a privilege. I’m not one for cliches. The important thing is to be there. I’d sign up to lose a World Cup final every year.
“That’s how important it is. And on top of that, having the chance to fight for the win. You have to enjoy it. Against an opponent who has been outstanding ever since Scaloni took over.”
