Rodri urges Spain to chase World Cup title without fear

BARCELONA: Spain captain Rodri has called on his teammates to approach Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina with ambition rather than apprehension, saying Lionel Messi's side remain the benchmark as the European team bids for football's biggest prize.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rodri said Spain's run to the final was the result of steady development over recent years, following triumphs in the Nations League and the European Championship. He said the current squad had grown progressively and had now reached the point of contesting a World Cup final.

Rodri said the team was satisfied with the path it had taken but made clear that their objective extended beyond simply reaching the final. He also described becoming world champion as the highest achievement in the game, adding that despite being content with his career, he still had the motivation to keep striving for more.

Spain focused on their own game

Spain have let in only one goal in the tournament, and Rodri said the side had shown balance across the pitch, from defending their own box to controlling midfield and exerting influence in the opposition area. When asked about the team's shortcomings, he acknowledged that every side has strengths and weaknesses but declined to go into detail.

Rodri said Argentina's main qualities included their resilience, ability to recover from difficult situations and strong character. He said Spain must play to win, remain determined in their pursuit of the trophy and stay true to their own style throughout the match.

He also singled out Messi for praise, calling him the greatest player of all time, while stressing that Argentina's threat goes well beyond one individual and that Spain would need to be alert to several players.

Expecting a tougher final

Rodri said he expects a more physical contest than Spain's 2-0 semi-final victory over France, describing Sunday's game as a different kind of challenge for which the team must be ready.

Spain's 2010 World Cup success has inevitably been part of the discussion around the current side, but Rodri said the game had changed too much for direct comparisons between the two generations. Even so, he said there was still an important lesson to draw from that title-winning squad: their determination in pursuing what had once seemed out of reach.

Argentina are heading into a second successive World Cup final, and Rodri described them as the team to beat as Spain prepare for one of the biggest matches in their recent football history.