Spain upped the ante with a superb display in the 2-0 victory over France and they will be targeting something similar against Argentina, who have qualified for the World Cup final for the third time in the last four attempts.
Argentina came on strong in the last third of their 2-1 triumph over England but they will be looking for a more complete performance against Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, which will be assessed by Racing Post football expert Dan Childs.
Sixty years have passed since Argentina and Spain last played against each other at a World Cup with the South Americans sealing a 2-1 triumph at the 1966 competition’s group stage.
Both were worthy winners in the semi-finals, although Spain’s passage through the knockout rounds has been a smoother process.
The Iberians have not been taken to extra-time although they had a couple of close calls with late goals required in victories over Portugal (1-0) and Belgium (2-1).
Argentina have had a bumpier ride.
They were taken to extra-time by Cape Verde and Switzerland and had to come from behind in victories over Egypt (3-2) and England (2-1).
However, the Albiceleste have always responded in the toughest of moments and are clearly determined to do everything in their power to defend their title.
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Spain v Argentina Tips Summary
Best Bet - Spain to win @ 5/4
Alternative bet - Marc Cucurella 1 or more assists @ 13/2
Bet Builder - Lamine Yamal to score or assist, Leandro Paredes to be booked & Under 4 goals @ 17/2
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Spain v Argentina Prediction
Best Bet: Spain to win @ 5/4
Spain have flown under the radar for several weeks, but they caught everyone’s attention with their smooth success over France and have the tools to dismantle Argentina in the World Cup final.
Reaching back-to-back World Cup finals has been a huge achievement for Argentina and their star player, Lionel Messi, who continues to mesmerise despite his advancing years.
But Argentina were far from fully convincing during their passage through the knockout rounds and were slow to get going against England, who kept them fairly quiet in the opening hour of Wednesday’s semi-final.
Argentina were stung by falling behind to England and they responded superbly.
But their fightback was assisted by a passive approach from the Three Lions, who conceded ground and relied on all-out defence.
A very different challenge awaits them against Spain, who are a side with the quality, fitness and mentality to keep playing the same way for as long as it takes.
Spain forged ahead against France and never looked back as they outclassed an extremely dangerous opponent.
They will be respectful of Argentina and Messi, but confident in their own ability and can seal the deal without the need for extra-time.
Alternative Bet: Marc Cucurella 1 or more assists @ 13/2
Spain’s full backs, Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella, were outstanding in the 2-0 success over France.
Porro captured the headlines with a goal, but Cucurella excelled down the left-hand side and he looks primed to add to his tally of two tournament assists.
Spain v Argentina Bet Builder Tip
- Lamine Yamal to score or assist
- Leandro Paredes to be carded
- Under 4 goals
Pay 17/2
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has been patient with talented teenager Lamine Yamal, who was recovering from a hamstring injury in the build-up to the tournament.
Yamal’s performance levels are steadily increasing and he played a crucial role against France by winning the first-half penalty which allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to open the scoring.
The 19-year-old is looking sharper with every game and can come up with a major moment in a physical, fairly low-scoring game.
Argentina will be heavily focused on disrupting the Spanish rhythm and a caution is on the cards for midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has committed multiple fouls in his last two appearances.
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Key Match Stats
- Spain have won three of their last four matches against Argentina
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 37 matches
- La Roja have won 11 of their last 13 competitive games
- Spain have kept clean sheets in 13 of their last 17 fixtures
- Argentina have gone five games without keeping a clean sheet
- Argentina have conceded the first goal in two of their last three matches
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
