Argentine newspaper claims players were ‘polite and respectful’ despite World Cup final descending into brawl

Argentina’s leading newspaper brazenly hailed the “polite and respectful” conduct of the national football team at Sunday’s World Cup final despite their players drawing global criticism for a campaign marred by dirty tackles, fighting and political provocation.

“[The team] carried itself in a polite and respectful manner, despite a few unfortunate isolated incidents in the final match,” read an editorial addressed to the players on Monday, a day after Spain’s 1-0 triumph over a 10-man Argentina.