Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of Spain, has voiced reservations regarding the official appointed by FIFA for the upcoming World Cup final this Sunday. Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has been selected to manage the championship match between Argentina and Spain.
The 46-year-old official previously presided over Argentina’s 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in Qatar four years ago, a match marked by contentious calls that aided the underdogs in securing a historic upset. De la Fuente indicated that he expects Vinčić to stay alert to Argentina’s history of gamesmanship.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad has faced ongoing criticism for using questionable methods to influence referees throughout the competition. Observers have also noted their fortunate draw, which spared the team from the travel fatigue and extreme conditions faced by other participants. Speaking to the publication Sport, the Spanish coach emphasized that the referee must ensure the rules are strictly enforced and not allow the boundaries of play to be compromised.
Acknowledging that opponents like England and Egypt struggled to stay composed under pressure, De la Fuente stressed that Spain must maintain its discipline and focus on its own tactical principles. He noted that while Argentina will implement their own game plan, his team must remain committed to their established philosophy to avoid falling into traps or succumbing to provocation.
