The national media in Argentina’ have jumped to defend their team’s display in the World Cup final , despite a defensive and ill-disciplined display.
Lionel Messi’s side barely made the match with Spain a contest, as they did not have a shot in normal time, nor an effort on target in the entire 120 minutes.
And their ill-discipline showed up as Enzo Fernandez was shown two yellow cards – first for dissent, then for a wild clumsy challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
At full-time, Leandro Paredes, who arguably should have joined Fernandez in being sent off for two yellow cards, was given his marching orders for his angry response at the whistle. Nahuel Molina also squared up to Spain players in disgraceful scenes.
However, the Argentina front pages on Monday morning called for national pride despite the 1-0 final loss.
Clarin went for a tearful picture of Messi with the headline. “They gave it their all, nothing to blame them for.”
La Nacion went for a similar theme, going with the line: “Argentina gave it their all – and they’re a source of national pride.”
Another paper Ole went with the headline: “May they be eternal” with another tearful Messi image.
