Two major footballing powers representing two different continents: Europe and South America. Or, maybe we should say, European precision-based football against the Latino spell.
This final will be memorable for many reasons and the first is the criticism riddled path through which Argentina had to move forward.
No tournament is ever without controversy and, to be honest, if there aren’t any debates outside the field, a tournament becomes vanilla. So many debates, arguments have not only fuelled talk shows but also kept the cachet of the World Cup alive.
Spell of the witch doctor, curse of the Pharaohs, resolve of the Musketeers, dogged determination of a team to shed shadows of conflict, the battle cry of the Vikings and the sheer brilliance of Messi – this World Cup gave us everything. That covers the ridiculous and the sublime!
Finally, the match of all matches is here.
Argentina had always been the pre-tournament favourites although at times, they gave supporters a heart attack.
The Albiceleste snatched victory from the mouth of defeat, came back from two goals down to have the last laugh and then managed to unleash what many are calling the ‘Last 15-minute Argentine Blitzkrieg’.
Honestly speaking, with Brazil out of contention, the World Cup exuberance in Bangladesh has been kept alive by Messi and the lads. The country, like many other South Asian nations, is on the edge as the final draws near.
Speculation, assessments, analyses continue with all observations coming down to one line: who will win it? The mighty Spanish Armada awaits the Latino boys!
Spain is not here to go back second best; they won it once in 2010 and are back with a mission: ensure the second star on the jersey.
Spain’s clinical dismantling of France in the semi final illustrated what they team is capable of doing with the ball.
They were magicians, toying with France, much to the chagrin of French captain Mbappe. This Spain side has progressed almost stealthily but assuredly.
Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old wizard in the making, has sent an advance signal of a side that will be dominating European plus global football in the coming days.
If one looks for faults, Argentina’s name comes first because while they have shown some spellbinding football, the team also conceded goals.
A packed defence would be the main focus in the final because if Spain manages to score once, getting the equaliser may prove a challenge.
Of course, Argentina did exactly that against England.
When all the passing based offence moves proved futile in front of the impregnable English fort, the Albiceleste decided to go for long shots supported by wing-based attacks, which eventually got the equaliser and then the winner.
No doubt, Argentina’s last quarter ‘go all guns blazing’ strategy worked but lest we forget, in all matches there is the invisible factor: divine providence.
Someone from up there must give the nod before a goal is scored or a team walks out victorious. Footballing perfection will never be able to cast aside the blessing from the heavens.
Both Spain and Argentina will be hoping that Zeus and his lot will be on their side. Only time will tell whose side Mount Olympus favoured.
