Argentina vs Spain (Sunday July 19th in New York/New Jersey)
Ben Mapp: Two contrasting styles of play here, with Spain’s possession-dominant, hyper-controlled approach facing off against the organised chaos that is Argentina.
Spain have looked so calm and calculated all tournament, with that no more evident than their masterclass against France in the semi-final, where their midfield, anchored by Rodri, was able to dictate the game to an incredible level. They also have genuine attacking threats through Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal and even Pedro Porro in recent games, and can cause a leaky Argentina defence serious problems.
Then comes Argentina, who are the competition’s top scorers and have just found a way in every game so far. In trouble against Cape Verde and Switzerland, and down and out against Egypt and England, they have shown the mentality that means you can never rule them out of any game. Lionel Messi is, of course, the greatest difference-maker of them all, but they have also seen crucial moments delivered by Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Julian Alvarez, with the squad so desperate to deliver success again.
I expect a feisty game as Argentina attempt to disrupt Spain’s rhythm, but Spain were my pre-tournament winners, and it would be wrong to go against them now after such an impressive campaign, with
Argentina’s luck finally running out at the final hurdle.
Prediction: Spain 3-2 Argentina
Luke Fletcher: Spain are my pick to lift the World Cup on Sunday. They have looked like the most complete side in the tournament, combining their trademark possession control with a sharper cutting edge in attack. Their 2-0 semi-final victory over France was a perfect example: calm, organised and ruthlessly efficient when the opportunities appeared. Spain have now reached their first World Cup final since 2010 and arrive with impressive momentum, having navigated a difficult knockout path that included wins over Portugal, Belgium and France.
Of course, writing off Argentina is usually a dangerous hobby, but Spain just seem to have that “everything is working” feel about them at the moment. Their defence has easily been the tournament’s strongest, while young players such as Lamine Yamal have added flair and unpredictability in the final third. Argentina’s attack can hurt anyone, yet Spain’s ability to control games may prove decisive. I’m backing Spain to edge a tight final,
Prediction: Spain 1-0
Steen Kirby: Spain are the best defensive team in world football, and they have managed to produce enough goals to reach the final. However, they will need to rise to a higher level, the level we saw against France in order to win their second ever FIFA World Cup.
Spain benefited from France falling out of the match early and not finding a way back in, they dictate from the midfield with players like Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, and Unai Simon provides stability in goal.
Argentina have the emotional edge however, playing with Lionel Messi, who is headed for another golden boot, and surrounded by teammates who love and honor him with 110% effort in every game. Argentina shouldn’t have been able to get away with conceding the first goal so frequently, but time and time again they have answered every question being asked of them, with players like Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero adding that clutch edge in tight games.
Spain are not the best attack Argentina have faced, which gives their defence some relief, but the midfield play must improve if they are going to win.
This should be a battle, Messi was limited by Germany in the 2014 final, in 2022 we saw a free wheeling final where Argentina defeated France. Spain are the better team, but in North America this feels like Argentina’s moment, and I’m not going against Messi in his final legacy game to not produce a goal or two.
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 (after extra time)
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
