The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is underway, and the pre-game show has already set the stage for a dramatic match. The USA's pre-game show, which has gone full Super Bowl, has been a spectacle in itself, with Hollywood icon Tom Cruise delivering a schmaltzy sermon on the beauty of the game and the world. This has been a stark contrast to the more reserved and passionate pre-game shows of the two teams.
The match itself is a clash of styles, with Spain, the undisputed kings of possession football, taking on Argentina, who are aiming to join an exclusive club of back-to-back World Cup winners. Spain's tactical prowess is evident in their 65% ball possession and 164 passes to Argentina's 93 after 22 minutes. However, Argentina's star-studded lineup, led by Lionel Messi, will be a formidable challenge for Spain's defense.
The match is also a battle of tactics, with Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, making three changes to the side that beat England in the semi-finals. Rodrigo De Paul returns in midfield, Gonzalo Montiel starts at right back, and Nicolas Gonzalez comes in on the wing. Spain, on the other hand, has an unchanged lineup, with Unai Simon in goal and Lamine Yamal playing up front after missing training this week. The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams aiming to gain an edge over their opponents.
The USA's involvement in the pre-game show has been a surprise, with the country's President, Donald Trump, keen to get his hands on the World Cup trophy. This has added an element of political intrigue to the match, with Trump's admiration for gold and shiny objects a stark contrast to the more reserved and passionate pre-game shows of the two teams.
The match is a clash of styles, tactics, and personalities, with Spain's possession football taking on Argentina's star-studded lineup and tactical prowess. The pre-game show, with its Super Bowl-like elements, has set the stage for a dramatic match, with the USA's involvement adding an element of political intrigue. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the outcome uncertain until the final whistle.
