The sports journalist from Telemadrid and resident of Majadahonda, Juanma Cueto, analyses the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. He backs La Roja and points out that Slovenian Slavko Vinčić must control the Argentine momentum.
Juanma Cueto, sports journalist from Telemadrid and resident of Majadahonda, has slammed Argentina's play ahead of the World Cup final. In his analysis, published this Saturday, he highlights that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will have a fundamental role in stopping a team that, in his opinion, "crosses the red lines".
A resident of Majadahonda who backs La Roja
Cueto, who has followed the entire World Cup from his home in Majadahonda, did not hide his confidence in Luis de la Fuente's team. "I back Spain. I have throughout the World Cup, despite the poor start against Cape Verde, and I sincerely believe they can take down Argentina," he stated. The display against France is, for him, the best testament to a team that has only conceded one goal in 630 minutes.
The journalist recalled that Rodri, a key player in De la Fuente's scheme, grew up footballing in the fields of La Oliva, at Rayo Majadahonda. "His past at Rayo Majadahonda fills us with pride," said Cueto, who emphasised the midfielder's phrase: "I came here to win the World Cup."
Argentina, a fearsome but weakened rival
Cueto acknowledged that Argentina is a great team, with Messi as the main threat. "Messi can turn it around in 1 second," he warned. However, he pointed out that Scaloni's side arrives more physically affected, with two extra times in their path and one day less of rest. "They have been losing for 98 minutes in the 4 matches leading to the final," he recalled.
The journalist was critical of Argentina's play: "I agree with those who think they often cross the red lines." Therefore, he insisted that referee Slavko Vinčić must be vigilant to prevent Argentina from imposing their intensity. "I don't complain. It's football anyway. Everyone puts their cards on the table," he clarified.
The clash of the stars: Messi against Lamine Yamal
The final will pit two generations against each other: Messi, 39 years old, seeking to defend his title, and Lamine Yamal, 19, who could shatter the Argentine dream. Cueto highlighted that Spain possesses "more talent, more quality, more ball control and more individual technique unless we compare it to a football genius named Messi."
The journalist also praised other players from La Roja: Unai Simón, Laporte, Cubarsí, Cucurella, Porro, Merino, Olmo, Oyarzábal or Baena. And he called for Lamine and Pedri to shine in the big match, as they have arrived "a tad below expectations."
For the residents of Majadahonda, the final has an extra incentive: to see Rodri, raised in Rayo Majadahonda, fight for the second star. The match is this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, at 21:00 Spanish time. The game will be broadcast live on La 1 of TVE.
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