Key events Righto, that’s it from me for now. Here’s Will Unwin, who’ll croon you through the next bit. Share It’s amazing, really, the environment Scaloni has cultivated for his squad. Their sense of mission is palpable, the sense of destiny mystical, and their unity in that supernatural. How well that works against Spain’s composure … Read more
When asked if Spain would win the World Cup, Lamine Yamal simply smiled and said “yes”. His words to American broadcaster CBS in the build-up would have come as a surprise to no-one who has seen the confident teenager become one of the best players on the planet. For many though, for his prediction to … Read more
The New York New Jersey Stadium is set to host the World Cup Final on Sunday with fans of Spain and Argentina hopeful of seeing their country lift the famous trophy. Spain are vying for a second World Cup title, whilst Argentina are bidding to go level with Germany and Italy on four apiece. Plenty … Read more
In the 37 minutes between England going ahead against Argentina and falling behind, they had 12% possession. It’s fair to assume that in the World Cup final Spain will provide a rather different challenge. They do not suffer the Mafeking tendency of the English, seeking to re-enact some famous siege every time they take the … Read more
Key events I’ve just got a fairly respectable 10/15 in our challenging World Cup final quiz. Have a go … Share I’m very much looking forward to seeing Cherki play. It’s hard to argue that he’s been hard done by when France have so many incredible attackers but a man of his exceptional quality ought … Read more
NEW YORK — Will Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final mark the coronation of Lionel Messi-era Argentina as the best national team of all time? Or will Spain’s next-greatest generation take a huge step toward claiming that title for itself? It’s a dream finale between two iconic soccer powers. With Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni leading … Read more
The final moment has arrived, and Spain want our second star. To win this World Cup, we don’t need to do anything spectacular – we just need to keep calm and carry on playing the same way. I am back in Madrid now after working on the tournament for the BBC and I would say … Read more
Lamine Yamal missed Spain’s first training session in New Jersey, where the World Cup finalists are preparing at the facilities of the New York Red Bulls. Spain travelled to New Jersey the day after they beat France in Tuesday’s semi-final and trained on Thursday without Barcelona winger Yamal and Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro. According … Read more
FIFA has confirmed that Slavko Vincic will referee the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday. Vincic will lead a Slovenian team at New York New Jersey Stadium, with Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic serving as his assistants. The 46-year-old is refereeing at his second World Cup and the final … Read more
Key events double quotation markWhen I became a teenager, foosball made way for girlfriends, wine, cigarettes and a job in a casino. Then I met a British woman and we got married. In 1986, with the war ongoing, we left Lebanon to set up home in Manchester. We had a son, a daughter and a … Read more