Rodri: We face the toughest opponent
New York (AFP) – Spain national team captain Rodrigo Hernandez, known as Rodri, affirmed that “we must have a greater desire to win than fear of losing when facing the toughest opponent,” in remarks ahead of the World Cup final in North America against Argentina, scheduled for tomorrow evening, Sunday, at MetLife Stadium in the New York suburbs.
The Manchester City midfielder spoke at a large press conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan, in the heart of New York. “We have come through a process of gradual growth, and we have seen the team mature over recent years. I previously said that this generation would leave its mark, and the path to achieving what is greatest for a football player is the one we have followed: the UEFA Nations League, then the European Championship, and now reaching the World Cup final.”
He added, “We are happy, but our ambitions go far beyond that. On Sunday, we have a very beautiful challenge to make this generation immortal in memory.”
He continued, “The main objective was to be in the place we are in on Sunday. We came to win the tournament, and we were convinced that it was possible. We will face the toughest opponent, which is the ideal test to see if we are capable of lifting the trophy. I told the young players that we must have a greater desire to win than fear of losing.”
He went on to say, “There is no fixed playing style for any team; it is about the moments in matches and what you believe should be done. We have not seen the same Spain in every match. On Sunday, it will be different; it will be a direct confrontation and more physical. I think what distinguishes us is our ability to adapt to different periods of the match.”
He clarified, “I strongly believe in the importance of midfield. They have a wonderful midfield, and so do we. I don’t think it will be the decisive factor, but the team that imposes its control will have greater chances.”
Rodri pointed out that “provocations and psychological games are another part of the game. I like to think that we are a team that gives its all and follows a different path. If things go in that direction, we must ignore them and not be drawn into provocations.”
He praised Argentina captain Lionel Messi, saying, “There is no need to talk about what Messi represents as a player and what he means to Argentina. For me, he is undoubtedly the best in history, having led his national team to win the World Cup and reach the final again, but I believe the Argentine national team is much bigger than Messi alone; it is a highly integrated team with a very high level. I think we are the two teams that deliver the best collective performance.”
