Spain
Spain have been one of the most watchable sides in the tournament, dominating possession through Pedri and Rodri and stretching defences with Lamine Yamal, and they knocked out France with a controlled 2-0 win in the semi-final. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro found the goals in Dallas, and in my opinion de la Fuente's grip on midfield is the platform for everything they do. Fermin Lopez is the one significant absentee after foot surgery ruled him out, but they’ve managed so far without him. My read on this is that if Spain keep the ball as they have all tournament, they can dictate the final and land their second World Cup.
Predicted Lineup: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Olmo, Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.
Argentina
Argentina have looked every inch the reigning champions, grinding out results when it matters, most recently with two late goals to beat England 2-1 and reach a second successive final. Lionel Messi remains the orchestrator and has come through an earlier hamstring scare to lead the side, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez providing the cutting edge and Enzo Fernandez driving the midfield. From my point of view Scaloni's blend of big game experience and a powerful midfield makes them extremely dangerous even against a defence as strong as Spain’s. I expect Argentina to sit a little deeper and look to hurt Spain on the counter through Messi and Alvarez.
Predicted Lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, L. Martinez, Romero, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Mac Allister, Paredes, Simeone; Messi, Alvarez.
