46 teams tried and only Argentina and Spain managed to reach the final, this Sunday in New Jersey (2 p.m., on DSports, Caracol, RCN, Disney+ and Win Sports).
For the second time in history, it will be a World Cup final in Spanish, for the first time two reigning champions from America and Europe, finally a duel between the sovereign Lionel Messi and his most likely successor, Lamine Yamal, face to face.
Neither of the two had a brilliant start, but both corrected flaws and recovered players along the way until reaching the eighth match, the only one that recognizes the world champion.
Argentina is seeking its fourth title, the second consecutive after the unforgettable Qatar 2022, and Spain is going for the second crown in its history, after the one in 2010.
Clash of styles between Spain and Argentina
For many, it may be Spanish possession against Argentine grit. But perhaps there are more similarities than differences in between.
The Spanish playing identity is well known: possession is very important, sometimes excessively, and the succession of one- or two-touch passes has become a trademark of La Roja since their breakout in the 2008 Euro Cup.
The drive of the Rodri-Fabián Ruiz-Dani Olmo trio, the “best” midfield in the world according to coach Luis de la Fuente, has been decisive. The second goal in the 2-0 victory against France, scored by Pedro Porro, with about twenty passes from the Spanish area, is a great summary.
For its part, Argentina has reached the final showcasing a more direct style of play and, above all, its impressive ability to stand firm amid adversity. They felt the abyss against Egypt in the round of 16, but came back 3-2, just like against England, with two goals in a furious finish to end up winning 2-1.
“They play as if they were seven or eight years old. They don’t ask themselves ‘What if I fail?’ or ‘What if we get eliminated?’. They don’t think about that, only about playing football,” celebrated coach Lionel Scaloni.
The last battle of Lionel Messi?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi is a reference and inspiration for an Argentina that enjoys its stellar moment, with 8 goals and 4 assists at just turned 39 years old.
Everything in Argentina, in play and emotionally, seems to revolve around him, something that contrasts with what Spain has shown in this World Cup, where their superstar, Lamine Yamal, has been much more discreet, scoring just one goal so far.
Argentina “is pure heart” and “we smell blood and go for it,” said Scaloni about his team. The ankles and knees of the English players know this well, having suffered their tough play. But La Roja also does not let itself be stepped on.
“It’s a great team, a great national team that has been going through a very good phase with Luis (de la Fuente, the coach) and it makes me happy, really. So I’m worried about everything about Spain,” said Scaloni. “It’s going to be a great show. There are two super teams, with many similarities, talented players; both play with the idea that brilliance and good play dominate the circumstances. Then, that the referee takes care of the details,” concluded De la Fuente.
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With AFP and Efe