The big game is here! Spain and Argentina face off in the World Cup final (10:00 p.m.) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the most prestigious trophy in world soccer at stake.
The match pits the world’s No. 1 and No. 2 teams against each other. On one side is defending world champion Argentina, looking to retain its title.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Lionel Scaloni’s team has a perfect record so far, with seven wins in as many games (including the extra-time victory over Cape Verde), tying Brazil’s record from 2002.
At the same time, they have scored 19 goals in the tournament—the best team performance at a World Cup in 56 years! Of course, the central figure could be none other than Lionel Messi. The captain of the “Albiceleste” has scored eight goals and provided four assists, directly contributing to 12 of his team’s goals!
On the other hand, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, which remains undefeated in its last 37 matches, has tied the all-time record for national teams. La Roja reached the final having conceded just one goal in seven games, with Unai Simón recording six clean sheets— a record-breaking performance in a World Cup final tournament.
Meanwhile, Rodri has already made history with 648 successful passes, the most ever recorded by a player in a single tournament.
On offense, all eyes are on Lamine Yamal, who has 30 successful dribbles, more than any other player in the tournament, while Mikel Oyarzabal has already scored five goals, tying the Spanish record in a final phase.
The grand final will be refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic, while FIFA has planned an impressive halftime show that will last 17 minutes, instead of the usual 15, to accommodate the special musical production prepared for the final.
Probable starting lineups:
Spain (Luis de la Fuente): Simón – Porro, Kubarshi, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Fabián Ruiz – Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Baena – Oyarzabal.
Argentina (Lionel Scaloni): Martínez – Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico – Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, McAllister, Paredes – Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
*photo source: fifa.com
