The standout sides of this World Cup, Spain and Argentina, are set to meet in the final with the biggest prize in football on the line. Spain won their only World Cup title in 2010, and surprisingly Sunday’s showpiece will be just the second final in their history. Argentina, champions in Qatar four years ago, are chasing a place in history as only the third team to retain the trophy.
Spain have powered into the final in dominant fashion, while Argentina have repeatedly found a way through difficult moments in their bid to make history. Under Fu Andi, Spain have been close to flawless in this tournament, remaining unbeaten and conceding only one goal, while stretching their remarkable unbeaten run in normal time to more than two years. Their 2-0 semi-final win over France, built on control and maturity, showed exactly why they are favourites. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the team with five goals, but the standout figure has been midfield orchestrator Rodri Cascante, who continues to dictate matches with his movement and command of the ball.
Argentina, meanwhile, have reached three finals in the last four World Cups. As usual, their path has been dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s side are still unbeaten, but they needed extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, then came from behind to beat England in the semi-finals. At 39, Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament and produced two assists in the last four, continuing to drive his team forward. The expectation is that he will have a decisive influence in the final and could well find the net at some stage.
Unlike Spain, the defending champions have conceded in each of their last five matches, setting up a fascinating clash of contrasts. Argentina have vast experience of winning major matches and perhaps understand knockout football better than anyone. Their fighting spirit is beyond doubt, though they often rely on moments of individual brilliance to escape danger. Spain, by contrast, have looked the most complete team in the competition from start to finish. They control possession, limit opponents almost entirely in front of goal, and rarely lose composure once ahead.
For those reasons, this is expected to be a cautious and tightly contested final. The match could easily remain level after 120 minutes and be settled by a penalty shootout. In that scenario, Argentina may have the stronger mentality and edge their way to a successful title defence.