NEW YORK, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admitted that Spain deserved to win the World Cup, saying his team had been outplayed in Sunday's final.
The defending champion had scored late goals to win each of its four previous knockout games but was unable to muster another dramatic escape at New York New Jersey Stadium.
"I feel sad," Scaloni said after the match. "One could say many things about how we got here, but it's not worth it. I just want to give my endless thanks to these players who once again took us to the final.
"They [Spain] were better, that's true, but I will have tremendous memories of what my players achieved. We are great in victory and must be so in defeat as well. Tonight, we show that we know how to lose. We lost, and we accept it.
"If they give everything the way they did today, it sets a great example for the people and for our country. You have to pick yourself up again. When you leave everything like that, it's very hard to find fault with anything."
Spain controlled possession and barely allowed Argentina into its attacking third. But despite its dominance, the reigning European champion didn't take the lead until substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute.
The Albiceleste's cause was made more difficult by the dismissal of Enzo Fernandez for a second yellow card at the end of normal time.
Scaloni said he had not spoken to captain Lionel Messi about his future. The 39-year-old scored eight goals in the tournament but struggled to assert his usual influence in the final as Spain's midfield starved him of supply.
"He's 39 years old now," Scaloni said. "It was crystal clear for me that he was going to play up until he decided not to.
"I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he's achieved because he's the best football player ever to set foot on a pitch. I have no doubt about this, and what he did during this World Cup was incredible. But also what he did before this."
Scaloni struggled to contain his emotions when asked about his own future.
"I will talk to the president [of the football federation]," said the 48-year-old. "I believe it's only fair that I can take this time for myself to think this through. I never thought I would get to this place and it's wonderful.
"In order to continue, you need a great deal of things, resetting your mind, rebooting, creating a group like this again - that is very difficult." ■
