World Cup Final: Germany's Völler Calls Argentina a 'Bad Example'

Rudi Völler, a celebrated figure in German football and a World Cup winner in 1990, has voiced strong criticism of the Argentine national team's performance in the recent 2026 World Cup final. Völler, who has a history of facing Argentina in World Cup finals, described the team's style as a "bad example" and stated that their play had "nothing to do with football."

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I don't want a team that plays like Argentina. What they did had nothing to do with football.

Speaking at the International Congress of German Football Coaches, Völler, who currently serves as the sporting director for the German national team, expressed his bewilderment at the widespread praise directed towards the Argentine squad. "Yes, they are world champions and this time they were runners-up, but I really don't understand all the praise they receive from so many people," he remarked, according to local media reports.

Völler contrasted Argentina's approach with that of Spain and England, suggesting they were more deserving of accolades. "Spain deserves the praise," he stated, adding that the English team also "defended very well." This sentiment highlights a perceived difference in footballing philosophy, with Völler seemingly valuing a more structured or perhaps defensive approach over what he interpreted as Argentina's chaotic or overly emotional style.

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Yes, they are world champions and this time they were runners-up, but I really don't understand all the praise they receive from so many people.

His comments carry historical weight, as Völler was a key player in two dramatic World Cup finals against Argentina. In 1986, he scored in a match Argentina ultimately won, while in 1990, he was involved in the controversial penalty incident that secured Germany's victory. As a coach, Völler also led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final, where they lost to Brazil. His critique of Argentina's style, therefore, comes from a deep well of experience in high-stakes international football.

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Spain deserves the praise and the English also defended very well.