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Del Bosque warns Spain not to underestimate 'nuisance' Argentina in World Cup final

Spain's coach Vicente Del Bosque during a training session in 2016
Spain's coach Vicente Del Bosque during a training session in 2016REUTERS / Vincent Kessler

Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has ⁠warned the national team not to underestimate Argentina ahead of the ‌World Cup final, describing their opponents as a "real ‌nuisance" and urging Spain to ‌remain cautious.

Del Bosque led Spain ‌to World Cup victory in 2010, ‌when they beat the Netherlands 1-0 in South Africa.

"Argentina are a tough team ‌to play against - a real nuisance, ⁠if I ‌may use the word - and they know exactly ​what they need to do," del Bosque told the El ​Pais newspaper in an interview published on Saturday.

Del Bosque pointed to ⁠Argentina's comeback ​victory over England as evidence of their quality.

"I see the final as favouring Spain, but they need to be ‌wary of the Argentines, given how difficult they are to face and their experience," he said.

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The 75-year-old also praised Spain's performances at the tournament and backed them to lift the trophy.

"In the matches we have watched, the game was played exactly ‌on the national team's terms; they ​dominated the situation and demonstrated ‌both assurance and confidence," he added.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at the New York New Jersey ⁠Stadium on ⁠Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 final

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19th, with kick-off at 21:00 CET. Defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to go head-to-head for football's biggest prize.

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