Helicopter ride Spain's only scare before World Cup final, jokes De la Fuente

NEW YORK, July 17 : Luis de la Fuente is so relaxed before Spain's World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday that only one thing appears to have his pulse racing: the helicopter ride back to the team hotel.

The Spain manager was his usual calm, amusing self on Friday as he looked ahead to the showpiece match against his former pupil Lionel Scaloni's holders, insisting his side would embrace the occasion rather than be swallowed up by the enormity of it.

"I'm quite nervous because we'll be returning by helicopter," De la Fuente told reporters with a laugh. "We came by helicopter, and we have to fly back once the press conference is over, and that really makes me nervous.

"Nothing else, though – I'm absolutely calm. We're lucky to be in these circumstances, in this situation."

Spain, European champions under De la Fuente, are chasing their first World Cup since 2010 and face an Argentina team seeking a second straight title, led once again by Lionel Messi.

Asked about the old line that nobody remembers the runners-up, De la Fuente pushed back, saying simply getting into position to fight for the trophy was a privilege.

"For me, the important thing is to be in a position to win, to reach a final," he said. "I'd be happy to reach a World Cup final every year and lose. But to reach the final and have the chance to fight for the title.

"We're going to enjoy that moment using our strengths and our qualities, whilst keeping our opponents – who are a truly formidable side – in check."

De la Fuente expects a final rich in technical quality rather than psychological needle, saying Spain and Argentina share much in style and spirit.

"There are two top-class sides, two superb teams with many similarities – in their approach to the game and