Soccer
Predicting Spain's World Cup final starting XI against Argentina
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Spain will be bidding to win a second World Cup on Sunday, and their performances throughout the tournament so far are fitting of a world champion.
Unlike their opponents and reigning world champions Argentina, Spain have looked very comfortable during each round, and comfortably dispatched pre-tournament favourites France in the semi-finals.
La Roja will be favourites for this clash, and when it comes to their starting line-up, do not expect many changes, if any, from the eleven players who faced France.
GOALKEEPER: Unai Simon
Unai Simon is a mainstay in the Spain goal, keeping out Premier League winner David Raya and Barcelona's Joan Garcia.
RIGHT BACK: Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro made Tuesday's semi-final his own, not only was he instrumental in keeping France's left wing quiet, he also scored Spain's second in the 2-0 win.
He was rightly awarded Player of the Match for the performance, up next, the small matter of keeping Julian Alvarez at bay.
CENTRE BACKS: Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi
This centre-back pairing has been the best of this World Cup, conceding just one goal and keeping some of the world's best at bay.
LEFT BACK: Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella has picked up where he left off in major tournaments after a stellar Euro 2024.
He excels in both attack and defence, and Cucurella will certainly relish the opportunity of mixing it with an Argentina team who are privy to football's dark arts.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Fabian Ruiz and Rodri
Midfield has been the standout area of this Spain team.
Just like Laporte and Cubarsi, Fabian Ruiz and Rodri have struck gold with their chemistry, and provide the perfect dynamic.
Ruiz is the more attack-minded player who will often find himself deep in the opposition half creating chances, while Rodri sits slightly deeper, controlling play whilst being the man who shifts Spain up the pitch.
If Argentina are to have any chance of winning the World Cup, they need to shut down this central midfield partnership.
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RIGHT WING: Lamine Yamal
Spain's star man has not lit up the tournament, but against France, there were glimpses of what Lamine Yamal can do.
He was the man who won the penalty for Spain's first goal in the semi-final, and after making a big impact during the Euro 2024 final, Lamal will want to leave his mark on football's biggest match.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD/NUMBER 10: Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo is another one of Spain's players who has a strong all-round game.
He will often be found in and around the opposition box, and Olmo has the shooting boots, but he is yet to score at this tournament.
LEFT WING: Alex Baena
Alex Baena may not have had the best season with Atletico Madrid, but he has been effective for Spain on the left wing.
Baena has one goal and one assist to his name so far this tournament.
STRIKER: Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal is the unsung hero in this Spain team.
Scoring five goals and delivering in the big moments, Oyarzabal is vital, even if his role is to simply hold the ball while those around him find space to create chances and score goals.
Oyarzabal will have a major role to play in this final.
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