Spain and Argentina booked their places in the World Cup final in midweek, setting up an incredible showdown in New Jersey.
Lionel Messi’s final appearance at the tournament comes against Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who is aiming to take on the mantle of best player in the world.
Spain’s controlled style comes up against an Argentina side who have turned games around in chaotic fashion. Can Messi and co. produce another late show, or will Spain’s pressing intensity prove decisive?
Ahead of the final, I’ve picked out a fourfold bet builder, priced up at an intriguing 53/1.
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Spain vs Argentina Bet Builder
- Spain to win
- Yamal to be carded
- Tagliafico to be carded
- Argentina over 4.5 corners
Pays 53/1 Add to your betslip HERE
Spain to win
Argentina’s late double sent them through at England’s expense, but the criticism of Thomas Tuchel after that semi-final defeat was more than sour grapes.
Tuchel played into Argentina’s hands, allowing Argentina to condense the pitch, while leaving Messi in space. A more aggressive press, along with a counter-attacking threat, would have been much harder for the defending champions to deal with.
Unfortunately for Argentina, that’s not something Spain will do. While the European champions are known for their patient, possession-heavy style, their success in Germany two years ago was based around flying wingers.
Add in full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, and Spain can really threaten out wide. Those two will push forward early on when Argentina sit back, aiming to create overloads.
The South American side have struggled for large spells in their knockout matches, and they don’t look capable of competing across 90 minutes. After Spain’s masterful display in their 2-0 win over France, La Roja are worthy favourites.
Nicolas Tagliafico to be shown a card
The battle down Spain’s right could be fascinating, and both players could end up with their names taken.
Tagliafico has avoided a booking at this tournament, but he hasn’t faced a test like Lamine Yamal yet.
The left-back was booked in three of Argentina’s final four matches in qualifying, and he could be in line for another card this weekend.
Lamine Yamal to be shown a card
Yamal surprisingly leads all Spain players in fouls committed at this tournament. The Barcelona winger has committed 10 fouls across his last three appearances, and he’s set for another battle in New Jersey.
Tagliafico has drawn seven fouls across his last two games for Argentina, and he’s been fouled at least once in each of his appearances at this tournament.
Argentina’s players have drawn 14 yellow cards at this tournament, more than any other side. With Yamal fouling at a high-rate, he stands out in the card betting going into the final.
Over 4.5 Argentina corners
One theme of Argentina’s tournament has been the rate at which they’ve won corners. The defending champions have recorded at least six in each of their last five games at this tournament.
They had six against England in the semi-finals, and set-pieces should be something they target if they fall behind again in the final. Argentina to record at least five corners is the final selection in this 53/1 fourfold.
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Odds correct at time of publish and subject to change.
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