#广场预测世界杯赢40000U World Cup final prediction: “La Roja” vs “The Pampas Eagles” — who can lift the Hercules Trophy?

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on July 20, the US-Canada-Mexico World Cup will kick off its ultimate showdown, with Spain and Argentina fighting for the final chance to lift the Hercules Trophy in New York, United States. Before this, Spain won the World Cup in 2010, while Argentina have lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022. After tonight’s match, will it be Spain’s second time topping the world, or Argentina’s fourth time raising the trophy?
CFP photo — Spain’s defense concedes the fewest goals; “La Roja” has a solid back line

In this World Cup, Spain have conceded just 1 goal, the fewest among all teams, overturning many fans’ preconceived impressions. In the previous seven matches, Spain were only breached once—against Belgium in the quarterfinal—while the other six games saw them keep opponents scoreless. Notably, Spain have also never been behind in this tournament, and starting fast is one of Spain’s biggest advantages. Spain’s team cohesion is strong, but there are also standout individuals, such as 19-year-old forward Yamal.

Yamal has scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist in this World Cup. While the numbers don’t seem eye-catching, the vast majority of Spain’s scoring surges and attacking build-up from the front come from Yamal. In addition, midfielder Merino has scored decisive goals in consecutive matches against Portugal and Belgium. His ability to score at critical moments has already been shown in his time playing in the Premier League. Forward Oyarzabal has scored 5 goals, making him Spain’s top scorer and an important weapon for the team to break through defenses.

As a key player on both sides of the final, Yamal once took a photo with Messi when he was not yet 1 year old. In 2007, during a charity event, Yamal’s family won the chance to take a calendar photo together with Messi, who was then playing for Barcelona. At the time, 20-year-old Messi gave the only a few-month-old Yamal a “bath,” leaving behind a classic “Yamal bath” image. Now, 39-year-old Messi will share the pitch with this Spanish youngster who is 20 years his junior. This showdown, dubbed by netizens as the “Bathtub Derby,” adds a different kind of intrigue to the final.

On the other hand, Spain in this World Cup have never played extra time. Combined with the fact that the players’ average age is younger than Argentina’s, the physical edge will give “La Roja” even more confidence in the final.

Argentina
Before the final, Argentina won all seven matches and scored 19 goals, making them the most potent attacking team at this World Cup. More than half of the team’s goals came after the 75th minute, always finding a way to break opponents in the final moments and leave them desperate. As the leading figure, Messi’s outstanding form needs no elaboration: at this World Cup, he has contributed 8 goals and 4 assists, topping the scoring chart. Besides that, players such as Lautaro Martínez, Enzo, and Álvarez have all fired up in the knockout stage, not only easing the pressure on Messi but also giving Argentina more solutions in the attacking line.

In the semifinal against England, Argentina were once standing on the edge of the cliff. When they were behind on the scoreline, Argentina mounted continuous late pressure and achieved a 2-1 turnaround, extending their title defense journey. Throughout the match, the team’s fighting spirit—being the key to the “Pampas Eagles” continuing their campaign. When the situation turned tense and stuck, Argentina always kept their formation stable and their mindset calm, patiently waiting for a counterattack opportunity. The turnaround against their opponents also sent the whole squad’s morale soaring.

On the way, Argentina’s performances may not have been all that thrilling, and even had some stumbling moments. But they pulled themselves back again and again from the brink, showing the world their most valuable quality: resilience and courage to win from the jaws of defeat. In 2024, Spain and Argentina each won European and Copa América titles, respectively. The two teams were supposed to play a Europe-America match in March this year, but the match was canceled for some reason. Meeting again in the World Cup final also makes up for the disappointment caused by the cancellation.

The two sides have met 14 times previously: Spain and Argentina each won 6 matches, and the other 2 ended in draws—truly evenly matched. Whether it will be Spain lifting the trophy for the first time in 16 years, or Argentina successfully defending their title, the answer will be revealed on the day of the match.