By Ben Church, CNN
(CNN) — Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here.
What a semifinal we saw yesterday. Utter heartbreak for England, but total elation for Argentina as it pulled off yet another late comeback to secure its place in the World Cup final.
In truth, England will be left regretting its tactics in the second half, which gave the defending champion all the encouragement it needed, and Lionel Messi once again proved to be the difference.
But now, after 102 matches, we know which two teams will battle it out in Sunday’s final. It’s Spain vs. Argentina; Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi.
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about a potentially amazing contest on Sunday and look back at some flashpoints from yesterday’s match, including a political banner that might get Argentina in some trouble.
The Main Thing: Polarizing styles set to clash in the World Cup final
I’m not sure I could think of two teams more different to play a World Cup final. We are in for an utter treat.
Let me explain what I mean and why it’s going to be so interesting.
Spain is the master of possession. It does the pretty things well – keeping the ball with confidence and crafting some beautiful passages of play that rip teams apart.
Meanwhile, Argentina is a snarling team full of passion-merchants. They almost prioritize aggression over their obvious ability, doing the ugly stuff better than anyone else, flying into late challenges and trying to intimidate the opposition.
So far, both styles have worked and now they’re set to clash in what will be the most predictable World Cup final of all time because there is no question about how both teams will play.
La Roja will dominate the game, attempting to pass Argentina to death and looking to capitalize on any slips of concentration. Rodri is the man who will drive that in the middle of the pitch, a midfielder so good that he can run the tempo of the game alone.
La Albiceleste will be after him from the very first whistle. You saw that tactic against England yesterday, with Argentina’s stars smashing into England’s best players to try to unsettle their rhythm.
What’s worrying for Spain is Argentina knows it works. England looked cowed and browbeaten by the second half of the semifinal, which allowed Lionel Messi to do what only Lionel Messi can do. It’s a tactic that they have no reason to change.
I just fear for Rodri’s ankles in the opening five minutes…
But what makes predicting a winner even harder is that both teams have experience lifting big trophies.
Spain is the reigning European champion, and Argentina has won three major international trophies in a row – including, obviously, the last World Cup – with many of the same players in the current side. Both have had time to gel as a squad, and both have managers who know how to get over the line.
And while Argentina’s star man Messi is often the difference for his team, Spain boasts Lamine Yamal who many consider to be the heir to the Argentine’s throne.
It’s just a final that’s so perfectly balanced that even I (a heartbroken England fan) can’t help getting excited for.
Mamdani watches World Cup semifinal with Rikers inmates
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Rikers Island jail where inmates watched England face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal.
Argentina unfurls political banner during semifinal celebrations
From CNN’s Patrick Sung Cuadrado
In the midst of that party atmosphere following Argenti