No room for leniency: Spain boss warns referee before World Cup Final

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for strict enforcement of the rules in Monday's FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, saying the referee must not allow any room for leniency in one of football's biggest occasions.

His comments come amid lingering controversy over refereeing decisions involving Argentina during the tournament. Following Egypt's Round of 16 defeat to the reigning champions, head coach Hossam Hassan and midfielder Mostafa Ziko accused the referee of favouring Argentina, with the Egyptian Football Association later lodging a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating.

Against that backdrop, De la Fuente stressed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, who will officiate the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, must apply the Laws of the Game consistently and firmly.

Speaking to Spanish daily Sport, the Spain boss said, "The referee cannot show leniency or allow the limits of the rules to be crossed. The boundaries set by football must be respected throughout the match."

Despite his remarks, De la Fuente expressed full confidence in the match officials.

"I have complete trust in the referees. We also know exactly how to approach a match of this magnitude," he said.

The Spain coach, who once served as Lionel Scaloni's instructor during a coaching course, insisted his side's focus remains on their own football rather than their opponents.

"Argentina will play in their own way, but our attention must remain on ourselves. Our objective is to strengthen our football and continue playing with our own identity," he said.

He also warned his players against abandoning Spain's philosophy in response to the occasion or any external influence.

"If we move away from our style and footballing principles, we will suffer. We want to play football our way and stay true to our ideas without being distracted. That doesn't mean Argentina will do anything improper, but our focus must remain on our own game," De la Fuente added.

Spain face defending champions Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday night (July 19-BST), with both nations bidding to lift football's biggest prize.