Spain captain Rodri says reaching the World Cup finals is the result of years of progress and believes his team must play without fear when they face defending champions Argentina on Sunday.
Spain is preparing for only the second World Cup final in the country’s history after building on its recent international success, having won the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024.
Rodri believes those achievements have laid the foundation for the team’s run and says Spain have grown from strength to strength over the past five years.
“We’ve been growing little by little,” he said.
“We have to continue doing the things we are doing because it is a five-year plan.”
Spain have performed well throughout the tournament, conceding one goal in seven matches.
After opening with a draw against Cape Verde, they have won six games in a row, including beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, while outscoring their opponents 13-1.
“Our goal when we came to this World Cup was to win the cup, and we were sure that we could achieve this,” said Rodri.
“We have shown that this national team was able to defeat major rivals.”
Rodri: Spain can be unpredictable
Rodri dismissed the suggestion that Spain have only one way to play, insisting they can adapt to any challenge Argentina present.
“I don’t think you’ve seen the same Spain in every game,” he said.
“I think Sunday’s game will be very different because it will be physical and we have to prepare ourselves.
“If we are known for something in this national team, it is that we know how to play different games according to time.
“We can practice defending, attacking or attacking. We’re a complete team, that’s why we’re here.”
Although Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team is still encouraging, Rodri believes the team can still improve.
“We can do it even better,” he said.
“I think against France we played one of the best games we have ever played as a team. But when we face Argentina, we have to raise our level because they are the champions. I am very confident that we can do it.”
Yamal is ready for the World Cup final
There have been concerns about Lamine Yamal after the 19-year-old was seen training with his left thigh heavily bandaged following a thrashing by France.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dismissed fitness concerns ahead of the final.
“Today he trained with the whole team and he is fine,” said De la Fuente.
“He’s fine. He’s in good shape.”
Yamal, who posed for pictures with Lionel Messi as a teenager in 2007, has been touted by many as a potential replacement for the Argentine, but De la Fuente wants the Barcelona midfielder to focus on being himself.
“Lamine should be Lamine,” he said.
“Messi is a player who has made history. He is an example for young players because of his behavior and behavior.
“I emphasize that Lamine must be Lamine Yamal. The best way we can support him is to help him continue to be the person we know today because he has great potential and a bright future.”
