As di whole world dey wait for tonight big match between Spain and Argentina for MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, one good news don come for Spain side. Teenage wonder boy Lamine Yamal wey dem fear say no go fit play because of injury don recover and go start for di final. Di Barcelona star bin take heavy knock during Spain semi-final victory over France, and e no train for di build-up to di final. But now, e don get green light to feature from start as Spain dey try to dethrone di defending champions and win dia second World Cup title, first since 2010.
Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro wey also miss training because of muscle tightness don also pass fit and retain im place for Luis de la Fuente starting XI. Spain go into di showdown with clean bill of health apart from those minor issues. De la Fuente don largely stick with di side wey impress throughout di tournament, keeping faith with Unai Simon for goal ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia. Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte continue dia partnership for central defence, flanked by Porro and Marc Cucurella. For midfield, Fabian Ruiz once again get di nod alongside Rodri, while Dani Olmo and Alex Baena join Yamal to support lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
Meanwhile, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni don also name strong side as di Albiceleste dey try to become only di third nation to successfully defend World Cup title. Di South Americans report no fresh injury concerns after dia dramatic semi-final comeback victory over England. Emiliano Martinez remain di undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez continuing as di preferred centre-back pairing. Gonzalo Montiel don earn starting berth at right-back after impressive substitute appearance against England, replacing Nahuel Molina, while Nicolas Tagliafico continue at left-back. For midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister join Rodrigo De Paul and Nico Gonzalez, providing support for attacking duo Julian Alvarez and captain Lionel Messi.
All eyes go dey on Messi, wey don inspire Argentina stunning fightback against England and now stand on verge of securing second consecutive World Cup title. Dis one fit be di crowning moment of im illustrious international career. Di final go kick off at 8pm WAT.
Just hours before di match, Spain captain Roddi don highlight wetin e believe be central to La Roja success: di strong understanding between head coach Luis de la Fuente and im players. “I think di combination of Luis de la Fuente and all of us is unique,” di midfielder tell RTVE. Rodri say Spain run to di final na result of “a very long and very beautiful process, a slow maturation”, built on di coach trust from di beginning. Di Manchester City midfielder also reflect on im return to form after suffering serious injury 18 months ago. “Di most important thing was to have continuity again. Being able to enjoy dat at dis World Cup don help me bring out di level I am showing,” e say. Rodri also thank Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for supporting im recovery and allowing am di time e need to return to full fitness ahead of di tournament.
Looking ahead to di final against Argentina, Rodri say Spain focus no fit be solely on Lionel Messi, warning say di reigning world champions strong across di pitch. “Argentina are much more than Messi. Dem be di reigning champions and di team to beat,” e say. Di midfielder also acknowledge Messi influence, saying: “Di further e dey from di penalty area, di better. But Messi no just score goals, e dey orchestrate di play, pop up between di lines and you get to keep eye on am for virtually every area of di pitch.” Spain dey aim to win dia first World Cup since lifting di trophy for South Africa for 2010, completing run of major international titles under Luis de la Fuente after winning di Nations League and di European Championship.
