NEW JERSEY– 48 teams on a quest for soccer immortality have been whittled to the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. This Sunday marks the conclusion of a sensational tournament which transcended sport-the global celebration that captured the United States- has brought people together from all over the world and provided some memories that will last a lifetime.
On Sunday, July 19, it will be a battle of the juggernauts, Argentina faces Spain at MetLife Stadium for the World Cup trophy and soccer supremacy.
Two titans carrying the nations hopes and dreams are Argentinas Lionel Messi, and Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Let’s recap the semifinals.
In the first semifinal, Spain displayed suffocating defense against FIFA NO. 1 ranked France.In a semifinal billed as a 50-50 between two European heavyweights, Spain dominated for the majority of the game and certainly deserved their victory.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal put manager Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team ahead in the 20th minute from the penalty spot after France left back Lucas Digne was penalized for inadvertently kicking Lamine Yamal in the box. It was one of a number of mistakes that was a microcosm of a dismal first-half performance from France.
Spain has only given up one goal in the World Cup.
The other semifinal was epic. On Wednesday, July 15, England struck first blood in the second half taking the1-0 lead. But as they have done quite often in this tournament, Argentina and the G.O.A.T Lionel Messi orchestrated two late goals which sent the Atlanta crowd into a frenzy.
So two teams are left standing. FIFA ranked #2 and #3, respectively. Will it be Spain and their defense that seems invincible, or the Argentinians who can never be counted out of any game? Tune in Sunday and find out.
