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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — At this level, any coach can find great players. Finding ones who are also good people and willing to put the team ahead of themselves, that is the challenge.
In this day and age, when so many people are only out for themselves, not caring who they trample over to get what they want, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his team are a breath of fresh air.
They are World Cupchampions because they were the best team in the tournament. They have so much joy in the title because they didn’t sacrifice their values to get it.
“I believe real success lies in looking for the right travel companions, people with principles,” de la Fuente said after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 for its second-ever World Cup title.
“It’s unbelievable I’m talking about this as something exceptional. I don’t think I’m an alien. I come from the earth,” de la Fuente added, drawing laughter.
It’s just so … refreshing. How many times have we had to root for teams and athletes while holding our noses, either because they have not thought twice about cutting corners on their way to success or because there is documented evidence that they’re not good people?
At this World Cup, for example, Cape Verde’s wonderful story was tainted by the revelation that captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation for sexual assault in New Zealand. There are several other players who are either currently facing similar allegations or have in the past.
Now, the outside world can never really “know” a team. We don’t see them day in and day out or spend time with them when their guards are down. But there is no evidence they are not who de la Fuente says they are.
And their World Cup title gives credence to what he says.
Take Lamine Yamal. The 19-year-old is an otherworldly talent, the youngest to score a goal at the European championships and already a three-time La Liga champion with Barcelona. Yet he finished the World Cup with only one goal. If Yamal was selfish, you can bet he would have been hijacking runs and taking shots rather than passing to open teammates.
Or Rodri. If Spain’s captain didn’t think La Roja’s collective goal was more important than individual accomplishments, he would have spent the entire tournament hogging the spotlight to disabuse the world of the notion that he’s washed.
Neither of those things happened.
“In the past, people were surprised about footballers being very talented and skilled and also good people,” de la Fuente said. "This shows it is possible. good people, generous people, with values that have managed to create a great team.
“We’ve shown we are a united team. The most united team.”
A good team, in every sense of the word.
Argentina has been a chippy team all tournament, and they bordered on reckless as they got desperate. Enzo Fernandez picked up his second yellow card in stoppage time of regulation when his tackle sent Pau Cubarsi somersaulting before hitting the ground with a thud. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was given a straight red for going for Eric Garcia’s throat at the end of the game.
Yet as Argentina went to collect its medals, Spain’s players all applauded. Nico Williams leaned over to make sure he high-fived or slapped hands with each member of Argentina’s team.
Told Argentina coach Lionel Scolari had broken down in tears during his news conference, de la Fuente looked pained.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank him publicly for everything that he’s taught me. All the football conversations we’ve had. He explained how difficult it is to be in this position (at the World Cup). His experience was very valuable to us,” de la Fuente said.
“I’m deeply sorry for what he’s going through,” de la Fuente added.
It really shouldn’t be that hard to be a good human. Mind your manners, be nice to others, apologize when you’ve done wrong and try to leave everywhere you’ve been better than how you found it.
Yet too often now, it seems that’s simply too big of an ask. People are out only for themselves and the hell with everyone else.
Which makes Spain and de la Fuente easy champions to celebrate.
“Favor the common good before their individual good, that’s what we’re trying to do,” de la Fuente said. “We’re trying to surround ourselves with people who have that feeling that they want to be part of that group.”
And maybe, just maybe, this World Cup run will entice more people to try and win like Spain. To be kinder, gentler and more considerate of your fellow humans, on the soccer field and off.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: At a time when sports needs better heroes, Spain delivered | Opinion
Continue reading...
In this day and age, when so many people are only out for themselves, not caring who they trample over to get what they want, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his team are a breath of fresh air.
They are World Cupchampions because they were the best team in the tournament. They have so much joy in the title because they didn’t sacrifice their values to get it.
“I believe real success lies in looking for the right travel companions, people with principles,” de la Fuente said after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 for its second-ever World Cup title.
“It’s unbelievable I’m talking about this as something exceptional. I don’t think I’m an alien. I come from the earth,” de la Fuente added, drawing laughter.
Sports heroes too often anything but
It’s just so … refreshing. How many times have we had to root for teams and athletes while holding our noses, either because they have not thought twice about cutting corners on their way to success or because there is documented evidence that they’re not good people?
At this World Cup, for example, Cape Verde’s wonderful story was tainted by the revelation that captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation for sexual assault in New Zealand. There are several other players who are either currently facing similar allegations or have in the past.
Now, the outside world can never really “know” a team. We don’t see them day in and day out or spend time with them when their guards are down. But there is no evidence they are not who de la Fuente says they are.
And their World Cup title gives credence to what he says.
Spain's players choose team over selves
Take Lamine Yamal. The 19-year-old is an otherworldly talent, the youngest to score a goal at the European championships and already a three-time La Liga champion with Barcelona. Yet he finished the World Cup with only one goal. If Yamal was selfish, you can bet he would have been hijacking runs and taking shots rather than passing to open teammates.
Or Rodri. If Spain’s captain didn’t think La Roja’s collective goal was more important than individual accomplishments, he would have spent the entire tournament hogging the spotlight to disabuse the world of the notion that he’s washed.
Neither of those things happened.
“In the past, people were surprised about footballers being very talented and skilled and also good people,” de la Fuente said. "This shows it is possible. good people, generous people, with values that have managed to create a great team.
“We’ve shown we are a united team. The most united team.”
A good team, in every sense of the word.
Argentina has been a chippy team all tournament, and they bordered on reckless as they got desperate. Enzo Fernandez picked up his second yellow card in stoppage time of regulation when his tackle sent Pau Cubarsi somersaulting before hitting the ground with a thud. Argentina's Leandro Paredes was given a straight red for going for Eric Garcia’s throat at the end of the game.
Yet as Argentina went to collect its medals, Spain’s players all applauded. Nico Williams leaned over to make sure he high-fived or slapped hands with each member of Argentina’s team.
Told Argentina coach Lionel Scolari had broken down in tears during his news conference, de la Fuente looked pained.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank him publicly for everything that he’s taught me. All the football conversations we’ve had. He explained how difficult it is to be in this position (at the World Cup). His experience was very valuable to us,” de la Fuente said.
“I’m deeply sorry for what he’s going through,” de la Fuente added.
Spain sets example for all
It really shouldn’t be that hard to be a good human. Mind your manners, be nice to others, apologize when you’ve done wrong and try to leave everywhere you’ve been better than how you found it.
Yet too often now, it seems that’s simply too big of an ask. People are out only for themselves and the hell with everyone else.
Which makes Spain and de la Fuente easy champions to celebrate.
“Favor the common good before their individual good, that’s what we’re trying to do,” de la Fuente said. “We’re trying to surround ourselves with people who have that feeling that they want to be part of that group.”
And maybe, just maybe, this World Cup run will entice more people to try and win like Spain. To be kinder, gentler and more considerate of your fellow humans, on the soccer field and off.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: At a time when sports needs better heroes, Spain delivered | Opinion
Continue reading...
