For the first time in history, the reigning champions of South America and Europe will face off in the World Cup final as Argentina and Spain clash for the coveted title on Sunday. This highly anticipated matchup pits the unyielding defense of Spain, which has allowed just one goal in seven matches, against the attack-minded Argentina, led by the incomparable Lionel Messi, who is chasing the Golden Boot with eight goals and four assists in the tournament.
The stage is set for an epic showdown between two of the world’s top teams. Argentina has scored nine goals in the 80 minutes of play, while Spain has scored 11 in the entire tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side, however, has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive, even when not at their best. Their strength in possession has been a key factor, with Rodri expertly keeping opponents at bay and Pedri and Fabian Ruiz picking out crucial passes to drive the attack forward.
Spain’s ability to score even when not at their best has been evident in their World Cup campaign. Despite Lamine Yamal struggling with injuries and logging only 63 minutes of play, and Nico Williams only scoring one goal, the team has managed to find the back of the net when it matters most. Their two Mikels, Oyarzabal and Merino, have combined for seven goals, a testament to the squad’s depth and versatility.
Argentina, on the other hand, relies heavily on Messi’s magic to drive their attack. Their defense has struggled down the wings, and a potential change in the starting lineup could see Giuliano Simeone replace Rodrigo De Paul. The teams have been set in their ways throughout the World Cup, and having mostly healthy squads has allowed their managers to select their top players.
Given the current state of the squad, it’s hard to see Williams jumping into the starting XI, and there’s no reason to push him, given the solid performances of Yamal and Alex Baena. The question remains, however, how these teams will line up for the final on Sunday.
Predicted Lineups
Spain predicted XI: Unai Simon; Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Pedro Porro; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Dani Olmo; Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal
Argentina predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Giuliano Simeone; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez
How to Watch Argentina vs. Spain
Date: Sunday, July 19 | Time: 3 p.m. ETLocation: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, N.J.TV: Fox (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)Odds: Spain +130; Draw +195; Argentina +275
• Spain’s defense has allowed just one goal in seven matches.
• Lionel Messi is chasing the Golden Boot with eight goals and four assists in the tournament.
• Spain’s two Mikels, Oyarzabal and Merino, have combined for seven goals.
