Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes Spain have been given an advantage before the FIFA World Cup final because they had more time to recover.
Spain booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over France one day before Argentina came from behind to beat England. That gave the European side an extra day to prepare for Monday’s title clash.
Scaloni also questioned FIFA’s planning before the final.
Argentina arrived in New York late on Thursday night. The squad then had to train on Friday afternoon in hot conditions before they had enough time to recover.
“We are only resting now because we arrived around 11 at night,” Scaloni said.
“Today they made us train at a time we did not want. We also had the press conference. Everything happened very quickly and we hardly had time to work.”
The Argentina coach said his main focus is helping his players recover before the final.
“We are thinking about rest first. Then we will see how the players feel because some of them are not at one hundred percent,” he said.
“We always think about our own game, but we also know the strengths of Spain.”
Despite his frustration, Scaloni said Argentina’s supporters have inspired the team throughout the tournament.
“When you see your people celebrating and enjoying these moments, it touches your heart,” he said.
“We play for them. We play for our country and for our families.”
He also praised the unity shown by Argentina’s fans.
“When Boca and River fans celebrate together, it means a lot. It shows how much this team has brought people together.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also thanked the supporters.
“Our fans are different. Seeing them celebrate in Argentina at two in the morning, even in the cold, means everything to us,” Martinez said.
Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final as they look to defend the title they won four years ago.
