48 teams entered, and now only two remain, as the stage is set for Sunday, when reigning World Champions Argentina take on European Champions Spain, with the biggest prize in football on offer: the FIFA World Cup.
Spain have slowly improved throughout the tournament and La Roja have established themselves as arguably the most consistent side in terms of team performance. Spain were excellent and proficient in dismantling France, restricting the pre-tournament favourites to a few efforts on goal and no big chances. Spain's main strength is the midfield. A right blend of tactical profiles in Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo allows Spain to exert control and gives room for the full-backs of Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella to operate further forward.
La Roja are on an incredible run of 17 games without a defeat, having won their last six matches in this tournament after their opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Should Spain win the World Cup, they will become only the third side to win the European Championship and the World Cup in consecutive tournaments. Spain has achieved this feat before in 2008 & 2010, with France previously doing so in 1998 & 2000. Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal has had a fine tournament, leading the line with five goals for Spain, so Argentina will have to watch the Real Sociedad striker picking up space in and around the penalty area.
This game could also offer a glimpse into Barcelona's future, as Lamine Yamal looks set to take the throne from the imperious Lionel Messi.
Speaking of the latter, the message from the Argentina players has been clear all tournament, and that is to win the World Cup for Lionel Messi in what is likely to be his final tournament for the national side. Argentina's route to the final has showcased their tenacity and willingness to win, as in two of their knockout stage wins, the current champions rescued the win from the jaws of defeat. Argentina remain the only side left in the World Cup to have a 100% record.
Argentina's win against England in the semi-finals, albeit self-inflicted by the Three Lions, has extended Lionel Scaloni's side's winning run to 14 international matches. Argentina's main strength reflects that of Spain, but in different circumstances. The midfield area of Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, and Enzo Fernandez, flanked by Julian Alvarez, allows work rate and creativity to free up Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi's legacy has already been set in stone, and in this tournament, the 39-year-old has been tasked with retaining the crown for his national side. Messi is likely to win the Golden Boot with his eight goals this tournament, and in the semi-finals against England, Messi was the difference, providing two assists in the final moments of the game.
This final is the deserving final between the two best-ranked sides in world football. Spain have been the best defensive side in this tournament with only one goal conceded, as they play an Argentina side who have scored 2.7 goals per game.
Argentina are likely to concede with no clean sheets in their last five matches. We just feel the scriptwriters are penciling in another Messi triumph in what is expected to be a wonderful game of football.
Spain 2-3 Argentina
