SerpApi.Org
Donald Trump has declared the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium the greatest FIFA has ever staged after the U.S. President appeared during Spain's trophy presentation.
Sunday marked the conclusion of the World Cup held across North America, with Spain claiming victory following a 1-0 extra-time triumph over Argentina in a final that lacked spectacle. Spain didn't find the breakthrough until the 106th minute of extra time, when substitute Ferran Torres fired home from close range past Emiliano Martinez after a superb knockdown header from Nico Williams.
Argentina, reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernández's dismissal at the conclusion of regular time, generated virtually no attacking threat throughout the encounter. They did create one late opportunity to level the score, but Guiliano Simeone shot over from inside the box. After the match, Trump was hit with scathing criticism online for his behavior.
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When the final whistle sounded, it was Spain celebrating in New Jersey, with Luis de la Fuente's squad assembled on the podium for the trophy presentation after some unsavory incidents involving Argentina's players. This follows Argentina committing one last unsportsmanlike action during Spain's medal ceremony.
Considerable attention has been focused this summer on Trump's absence from World Cup matches. The U.S. President did not attend a single fixture during the tournament, with the exception of the World Cup final.
Despite being absent throughout the competition, on Sunday, he took center stage. He appeared repeatedly during the match broadcast and presented medals alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Last year, following the FIFA Club World Cup final, which Chelsea won by defeating Paris Saint-Germain, Trump remained awkwardly on the podium during the trophy presentation.
This year, he repeated the behavior after presenting the World Cup to Spain's Rodri, with Infantino attempting to usher him off the podium.
While the tournament has provided plenty of entertainment this summer, Sunday's clash between Argentina and Spain fell short of being considered a classic by most standards.
However, Trump viewed it entirely differently. Speaking after the final, the U.S. President declared it the greatest event FIFA has ever organized.
"This was one of the greatest events of any kind ever held," said Trump. "There has never been anything like it, probably in terms of an event, let alone soccer or football, whatever you want to call it.
"But I thought it was incredible. It was four times greater than any FIFA ever held, and it's probably about five times, actually, they're telling me today.
"So we're very proud of our country, we're very proud of the job that was done by everybody. We congratulate Gianni Infantino, and all of his staff, and the incredible job they did.
"But this was one of the greatest events of any kind ever held."
