Argentina represented themselves in ‘best possible way’ at World Cup: Fernandez
LONDON: Enzo Fernandez insists Argentina represented themselves in the “best possible way” at the World Cup despite the Chelsea midfielder’s red card in the final and a host of ugly incidents in their controversial campaign. Fernandez was sent off for a second booking after clattering into Spain’s Pau Cubarsi in the closing stages of normal time in Sunday’s 1-0 loss. The 25-year-old Chelsea midfielder’s premature exit was the latest in a series of clashes that cast a shadow over Argentina’s run to the final. Leandro Paredes appeared to throw punches at members of the Spain squad as they celebrated their victory, with FIFA subsequently launching an investigation into potential disciplinary breaches following the unsavoury post-match scenes. They also turned their backs on Spain when the Spanish received their medals and the trophy. Argentina’s players also caused controversy by displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine) after beating England in the semifinals. Argentina invaded the British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic in 1982. But Britain regained the archipelago in a brief war after then prime minister Margaret Thatcher dispatched a naval taskforce. Fernandez took to Instagram to defend his country for their World Cup performance, but made no mention of his sending off in his message to supporters. “As time goes by, you realize there is something much bigger than just a result,” he said. “For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way.