FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain rely on their tact, champions Argentina eye repeat act

Ahead of Spainrsquos blockbuster FIFA World Cup final against defending champions Argentina La Roja skipper Rodri believes it will be the culmination of years building to this pointWinning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024 set the foundation for the success the team has achieved over the past several weeks An even bigger challenge awaits on Sunday and Spainrsquos captain wants his teammates to be more eager to win than scared to loseSpain players celebrate their goal in the semifinal against France in Arlington on TuesdaylsquoWersquove been growingrsquoldquoWersquove been gradually growing We have to keep doing the same things wersquore doing because it has been a process for all five yearsrdquo Rodri said on FridaySpain has only allowed one goal through its first seven games including a 20 win over France in the semifinals Since a stunning opening draw against Cape Verde La Roja has outscored its opponents 131Rodri bristled at the notion that Spain has just one defined brand and expressed a belief about handling any kind of styleArgentina players celebrate their goal in the semifinal against England in Atlanta on WednesdayldquoI donrsquot think yoursquove seen the same Spain across all the matchesrdquo the 30yearold midfielder said ldquoI think Sundayrsquos match will be quite different as it will be a more physical one and we must be prepared And I believe if we are known for something in this national team is that we know how to play different games based on the moment So we can adapt to having to defend counterattacking to attacking We are a very complete team and that is why we are hererdquo he addedSixteen years since Spain won the World Cup for the first time Rodri thinks the determination of that group can be an inspiration But he is far more focused on the individual and team development that has sparked this run to the finalFull of confidenceldquoWe can even do it better I think against France we had one of the best games we ever played as a team But against Argentina I think we have to rise a level because they are the champions And Irsquom really confident that we can do itrdquo Rodri saidMeanwhile Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says they will analyse the Spaniards closely to have the best chance to defend their crown ldquoWe prepare just like in every match with a lot of desire for things to go well for us with a willingness to analyse the opponent We are two teams that base everything on the ball The patterns of play itrsquos clear revolve around the ball with some nuances but we think similarly in that regard We need to bring out our best version Wersquore doing well beyond things we can always improve Wersquore a team thatrsquos already wellknown by our rivals and thatrsquos why it has double merit to have reached where we haverdquo Scaloni said during the prematch press conference1This will be the first time a World Cup final is being played between the reigning Euro champions and Copa America champions66Spain and Argentinarsquos headtohead across 14 encounters two ended in a draw1No of times Argentina and Spain have previously met in the World Cup mdash in a group stage match in 1966 when Argentina won 21Key matchups to look out forLamine YamalLamine Yamal vs Lionel MessiYamal who plays on the right flank is the key creator for Spain While he has only one goal so far he holds the record for most dribbles in this tournament 30 and will be vital for La Roja if they are to clinch their second crown tonight On the other hand having made gamechanging contributions in almost every game at this World Cup the iconic Messi who has eight goals and four assists to his name will be the key playmaker for ArgentinaMikel Oyarzabal and Lautaro MartinezMikel Oyarzabal vs Lautaro MartinezOyarzabal is the leading scorer for Spain in this tournament with five goals in seven matches so far Meanwhile Martinez who has three goals and two assists in the tournament has the knack of creating something when Argentina need it the most like the crucial assist for Enzo Fernandezrsquos winner against Egypt and his winning header against England in the semis They will hope to find a way to score for their teams yet again on the biggest stage Emiliano MartinezUnai Simon vs Emiliano MartinezSimon might be the best goalkeeper of the tournament with six clean sheets so far and just one goal conceded He will hope to extend his form while Martinez might want a penalty shootout On the other hand Martinez kept his best performance for last in the previous World Cup in 2022 when he denied France in the penalty shootout The goalkeeper is known for his mind games under pressure which will be crucial when the stakes are thehighest tonight This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever