World Cup Final: Argentina four or Spain two?

Spain reaches the second World Cup final in its history experiencing the best moment of its recent history. The team led by Luis de la Fuente has an undefeated streak of 37 matches and boasts the least leaky defense in the competition. In seven games played, they conceded just one goal, in the quarter-finals against Belgium, and at no point were they behind on the scoreboard during the tournament.

The main highlight of the Spanish team has been the collective game. With prolonged possession of the ball and a great exchange of passes, the team dominated France in the semi-final and guaranteed qualification for the final with a consistent performance.

Argentina, in turn, reaches the second consecutive World Cup final. A large part of the squad lifted the trophy at the World Cup in Qatar, and experience has been a differentiator throughout the campaign. The team has won the seven games played so far, including three consecutive and dramatic comebacks against Egypt, Switzerland and England.

Another Argentine asset is Lionel Messi. Top scorer in the history of World Cups, with 21 goals, number 10 continues to be the team's main reference. Coach Lionel Scaloni has already stated that the team adapts its playing style to enhance the star's performance.

The clash also marks the reunion of the two teams in a World Cup after six decades. The only official duel between Argentines and Spaniards in the World Cup took place in the group stage of the 1966 edition, when Argentina won 2-1.

In addition to this meeting, the teams have played 13 friendlies throughout history. The record favors Spain, which has six wins, against five for Argentina, as well as two draws.

The two teams should also have decided the Finals about three months ago. The match would be played in Qatar between the current continental champions, but ended up being suspended due to the war between the United States and Iran. Subsequently, the confederations did not reach an agreement to set a new date, and the match was cancelled.

Thus, the most recent meeting between the teams remains the friendly played in 2018, when Spain beat Argentina 6-1. Few athletes from that duel remain in the current teams. Messi didn't even enter the field on that occasion, while Isco was the highlight of the match, scoring three goals.

For the decision, Luis de la Fuente must repeat the basis used in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Fabián Ruiz, who took over the spot previously occupied by Pedri, should be kept among the starters.

Spain's likely lineup is: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Laporte, Cubarsí and Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.

On the Argentine side, Lionel Scaloni alternated formations and tactical schemes throughout the competition. Despite the good performance of the reserves in recent matches, the tendency is for Rodrigo De Paul to take over Giuliano Simeone's place to strengthen the midfield.

Argentina's probable formation is: Dibu Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

The refereeing of the final will be in charge of the Slovenian Slavko Vincic. The assistants will be Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, also from Slovenia. The fourth official will be Adham Makhadmeh from the United Arab Emirates, while Mohammad Alkalaf will act as the fifth official. In charge of VAR will be German Bastian Dankert, assisted by Nicolas Gallo, from Colombia, and Khamis Al Marri, from Qatar.

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