As football fans around the globe count down the final hours to the spectacular conclusion of the expanded tournament, legendary striker Ronaldo Nazário has thrown fuel onto the competitive fire. The two-time FIFA World Cup winner has boldly snubbed Argentina’s dreams of achieving a historic title defense, unequivocally backing Spain to lift the trophy in highly convincing fashion.
Spain and Argentina will lock horns at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, in the 104th and final game of the expanded FIFA World Cup. Argentina head into the showpiece undefeated in their last 37 games and are aiming to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup title. However, the iconic former Brazilian forward expects that record-breaking run to hit a decisive roadblock.
Possession Strategy Set to Nullify Messi
“I think Spain will win the game and easily,” Ronaldo said while speaking to ESPN Brasil.
The rationale behind his bold prediction rests completely on tactical efficiency and midfield structure. Luis de la Fuente’s side has captivated audiences throughout the tournament with their relentless, vertical brand of possession football. According to Ronaldo, the tactical key lies in Spain’s ability to completely suffocate the match once they secure a territorial advantage.
“For me, France and Spain were always the favourites,” Ronaldo added. With France knocked out after a 0-2 loss to Spain in the semi-finals, Luis de la Fuente’s team now has the chance to cap its brilliant campaign by lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.
The former Brazilian icon strongly believes that if the European giants manage to break the deadlock early, Lionel Messi and company will struggle to find a tactical answer. “I don’t think Argentina have the strength to turn the game around if Spain go one or two goals ahead, because Spain will have possession all the time,” Ronaldo explained.
Clear Skies in New Jersey
Meanwhile, Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the FIFA World Cup title, while Spain are chasing their second crown after lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010. Fortunately, the grand stage is perfectly set for a classic encounter. After concerns in recent days that smoke from Canadian wildfires could impact the final by blanketing parts of the eastern United States, clear blue skies greeted New Jersey on Sunday morning. With the environmental anxieties cleared away, all eyes turn to the pitch to see if Ronaldo’s clinical prediction holds true.
