Will Argentina join the elite group of national teams that have won back-to-back World Cups, or will Spain produce another defensive masterclass and limit Lionel Messi's impact enough to win the biggest prize in football?
Far too many people were ruling Spain out against France, but Luis de la Fuente's team produced a tactical masterclass. Les Bleus were shut down from the first minute and were effectively invisible in the first half.
Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty was the beginning of the end for France, while Pedro Porro killed the intrigue after a perfect pass inside the box from Dani Olmo.
On paper, France were the strongest attacking team in the tournament, but they were an open book for Luis de la Fuente. Given how similar Argentina's matches have been in this competition, another masterclass could be in the making.
The defending world champions had to come from behind once again, but this time achieved it in regulation. However, we believe that it became possible primarily due to Thomas Tuchel's bad decisions.
England played their worst match since he took charge, and made the grave mistake of pulling back into their own half after the goal, thus giving Lionel Messi all the freedom in the world.
And he created both of Argentina's goals, feeding Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez with perfect passes.
How the bookies view it: There will be a new world champion
La Albiceleste enter this final as underdogs, but as the defending world champions, the odds have little meaning. Both sides have equal chances to lift the trophy.
Right now, you can back Spain at 5/4 or Argentina at 13/5. Bookies are clearly anticipating a draw, pricing it at around 2/1. You can find the best available odds using our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Recent head-to-head: The most evenly matched rivalry for the final
Although Argentina and Spain have always been among the leading football nations, they have only met once at a World Cup, 60 years ago in 1966. Back then, La Albiceleste won 2-1, eliminating Spain during the group stage.
Since then, they have met another 13 times, with only two matches being official (Copa Hispanidad in 1972 and 1974). Overall, this is one of the most competitive rivalries, with six wins apiece and two draws.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
We repeat ourselves every time, but Argentina seldom score without Messi's involvement. La Albiceleste have scored 18 goals so far, and Messi has been involved in 12 of them (G8, A4).
Therefore, we can't miss this final opportunity, and we will back him to score or assist at 9/10 at Bet365. Let's not forget that he scored a brace in the 2022 final against France too.
Surprisingly, Spain's boss stated that he doesn't plan to man-mark Messi, which feels like a risky decision. England gave him too much space in the second half of the semi-final, and he gave two assists in less than 10 minutes.
Among other things, Luis de la Fuente also answered the most important question from the past few days and confirmed that Lamine Yamal will be available for the final. The 19-year-old Barcelona star has only one goal at this World Cup, but a lot of Spain's efforts go through him on the right wing.
Probable line-ups
Spain: Simon, Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella, Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena
Argentina: E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Paredes, Simeone, Alvarez, Messi
Anything else catch the eye?
Spain are unbeaten in regulation time in 37 consecutive matches. One more to break the all-time record for a European nation. But perhaps more importantly, Spain have won five of their six finals at World Cups and Euros.
Honestly, Spain have probably never looked more dangerous, although they are not scoring as many goals as before. Their defence is simply out of this world, securing an all-time best six clean sheets in a single World Cup.
Spain may opt for a similar tactic against Argentina, and it could actually work – to shut down the main creative forces in the team, and wait for the right moment to score.
But we also believe La Albiceleste have proven that they are relentless, and you need to be at your absolute best to stand a chance against them. Therefore, we are backing both BTTS and a draw in regulation. We expect at least 120 minutes of football, and we will not attempt to guess who clutches the title in the end.
GambleAware