Rodri’s masterclass leaves Argentina staring down World Cup final dilemma

Rodri shredded France’s World Cup hopes with a midfield masterclass in Dallas on 10 July, leaving Argentina with a tactical puzzle ahead of Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

What happened in Dallas?

Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the World Cup semi-final wasn’t just a team performance: it was Rodri’s show. The Manchester City midfielder dictated tempo from the first whistle, turning France’s attempts to contain him into a series of traps. Early on, France sat deep to invite Spain’s possession, but that only fed Rodri’s relentless probing. When they switched to a high press in the second half, Spain sliced them open with speed and precision.

Why Argentina must solve Rodri’s riddle

Argentina face a coach’s nightmare: how to stop a player who plays the game at his own pace. Rodri’s brain processes situations faster than defenders react. Whether Spain sit back or press high, they exploit the space he creates. His partnership with Fabián Ruiz: now 49 Spain caps unbeaten: adds another layer of control. Ruiz’s ability to shield the ball lets Rodri drift into dangerous zones, forcing Argentina to gamble on pressing or conceding possession.

And France learned the hard way. Their initial plan to cede the ball backfired. Rodri’s touches and turns turned their midfield into a revolving door. Even when France pushed for an equalizer, Spain’s counterattacks punished their exposed flanks.

The Cucurella factor

Marc Cucurella’s rampaging runs down the left flank added another dimension. His defensive solidity and attacking thrust forced France’s right wingers into impossible choices: track him and neglect their own duties, or ignore him and let him carve open the game. Spain’s 630 tournament minutes without conceding a goal: a record in this cycle: owes much to Cucurella’s relentless work rate.

What comes next in New Jersey?

Argentina arrive in New Jersey on Sunday with a clear problem: Rodri doesn’t just play the game: he rewires it. Lionel Scaloni’s side will need to disrupt his rhythm early, force mistakes, or gamble on pressing him high and risk leaving gaps elsewhere. Spain’s midfield trio of Rodri, Ruiz and Pedri offers a level of control few teams can match.

One thing’s certain. If Argentina don’t solve Rodri’s riddle, they won’t lift the trophy.