Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi has identified Spain captain Rodri as a key factor in Argentina’s recent World Cup defeat. Otamendi alleged that the midfielder pressured the officiating crew, leading to a pivotal red card for Enzo Fernandez during the match’s final minutes.
Spain secured a 1-0 victory in extra time under manager Luis de la Fuente. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to claim the trophy for his country. The high-stakes match concluded with significant friction, as players from both sides engaged in physical confrontations following the final whistle.
Otamendi reportedly confronted his former Manchester City teammate Rodri, claiming that both Rodri and Aymeric Laporte spent the week preceding the final lobbying match officials. Otamendi criticized this behavior as unprofessional. Before the match, Laporte had publicly questioned Argentina’s physical playing style and the consistency of the tournament’s officiating.
The match saw five Argentine players booked, with Enzo Fernandez dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. This result grants Luis de la Fuente a rare double achievement, having now guided La Roja to both a European Championship and a World Cup title.
