Argentina and Spain will face each other this Sunday at MetLife Stadium—temporarily renamed by the Fifa as New York-New Jersey Stadium—in the final that will define the new world champion. The The Albiceleste team will seek to make history with a two-time championship, a feat that, since the creation of the World Cup in 1930, only Italy and Brazil have achieved. The Argentine team will try to join that select group of consecutive champions.
The Argentine team reaches this final after overcoming a demanding direct elimination phase, in which it appealed to its competitive nature to stay alive in the tournament. In the round of 32 he suffered more than expected to eliminate Cape Verde. Then, in the round of 16, they had to work hard to beat Egypt. In the quarterfinals they starred in a highly contested series against Switzerland.
The greatest display of character came in the semifinals against England, in a memorable duel in which Argentina was eliminated until the 85th minute. However, the current champion came back on the scoreboard and sealed its qualification for a new World Cup final.
Spain, for its part, has shown consistency throughout the decisive phase of the championship. In the round of 32 they beat Austria without major complications, while in the round of 16 they achieved a hard-fought victory over Portugal.
In the quarterfinals they eliminated Belgium thanks to a goal in the final minutes and, in the semifinals, they eliminated one of the main candidates for the title: France. La Roja put together an outstanding collective performance to defeat the team French and qualify for a new World Cup final. Now, the Spanish team will seek to lift the trophy and win the second World Cup in its history.
A high voltage final
The meeting promises emotions from beginning to end, whether during the regulation 90 minutes or, if necessary, in extra time or in a penalty shootout.
Two teams with similar styles will face each other, based on ball possession, although with different strengths. Spain has one of the strongest defenses in the tournament, while Argentina has one of the most effective offenses in the championship. It will be a duel of maximum intensity, in which both teams will try to impose their style to win the world title.
Who is the favorite? This is what artificial intelligence says
Different artificial intelligence models were also consulted to find out which of the two teams has the advantage to win the title, based on the performance shown during the competition.
Spain arrives backed by a solid game, a high possession of the ball, constant pressure and a defense that has conceded few goals. Furthermore, he authoritatively eliminated Franceone of the main candidates for the championship.
Argentina, on the other hand, has the experience of having played and won grand finals, as well as a squad with personality and the ability to resolve matches under pressure. The comeback against England in the semifinals is an example of that competitive character.
Estimated probabilities
- Spain: 55%
- Argentina: 45%
The difference is minimal, so there is no absolute favorite. If Spain manages to impose its rhythm and control possession of the ball, it could tip the balance in its favor. However, if Argentina manages to take the match to a more physical and closed stage, and takes advantage of its experience in decisive matches, its chances will increase.
In such a balanced final, details such as a set piece, a defensive error or a penalty shootout could define the new world champion. Everything is ready for a confrontation between two football giants.