Sixteen years after winning their first World Cup title in South Africa, Spain are back in the final against three-time champions Argentina as narrow favorites given the following factors:
The Midfield Engine Room
Spanish football has thrived along the lines of a creative and possession-styled midfielders. While the 2010 World Cup-winning squad had the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets, La Roja have produced another set of midfield titans in Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, among others. The Manchester City midfielder Rodri is arguably the best midfield enforcer at this tournament, shielding the central defenders and dictating the tempo from deep.
It is sufficient to say the trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes are not as creative as Luis de la Fuente’s midfielders. However, the talismanic nature of Lionel Messi has made the absolute difference for the Argentine side, and in the final, the one-time champion must not just keep possession but ensure the touches in the final third are precise and goal-driven.
Flanking the Attack: Youth vs. Experience
Lamine Yamal has not had an explosive outing thus far, but his world-class quality is not in doubt. Yamal is the most natural and gifted winger between both sides. If he is in his element at MetLife Stadium, his impact can decide the game. His toddler picture with Messi bathing him has resurfaced on the internet. While Messi is playing his last World Cup, Yamal is in his first.
Beyond reading superstitions into the picture, Yamal will not approach the biggest game of his career with levity, and the best of him may just be unveiled in the final. Another potent weapon is Nico Williams, who may start ahead of Alex Baena. The Athletic Club winger has fully recovered, and it is expected that Luis de la Fuente will not use him as an impact substitute but as a starter. Yamal and Williams’ youthfulness will pose a lot of problems for the Argentine full-back duo of Tagliafico and Molina.
Defensive Solidity and Championship Pedigree
Spain have conceded just one goal while Argentina have conceded seven in this tournament. This stat simply explains the defensive edge the Spanish side have over the Albiceleste. The pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi is arguably the best at the tournament, though credit must go to Rodri who has shielded the centre-backs from some threats.
The two full-backs – Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro – have manned their positions with enviable expertise. Defensively and offensively, they have been impressive; it is no surprise that it was Pedro Porro who netted the second goal against two-time champions, France.
Winning Mentality
Finally, gone are the days when the Spanish side would crumble against big sides. This final comes two years after they defeated England 2-1 to win Euro 2024 and three years after emerging as Nations League champions.
They can stand Argentina toe to toe; their credentials are not short of laurels and experience. While the Argentine side depends on Lionel Messi for creativity, the Spaniards embody creativity itself.
