Argentina Considers Lineup Changes Ahead of World Cup Final Against Spain

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are contemplating a double change in their starting lineup for the final against European champions Spain, scheduled for Sunday. Despite maintaining a consistent lineup throughout the tournament, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly concerned about the defensive pairing of young defender Lamine Yamal and Spain’s Pedro Poro, who have both completed full training sessions with their team. This concern may prompt Scaloni to adjust the formation, potentially starting Nico Gonzalez instead of Gio Simeone, who played in the semifinal. Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to retain his place in defense.

Another possible change under consideration is replacing Gonzalo Montiel with Nahuel Molina, who has frequently substituted for Montiel during the tournament. Montiel, who scored the winning goal in the 2022 final, recently made a costly error against England’s Anthony Gordon. Lautaro Martinez, the semifinal winner scorer, is likely to remain on the bench.

Spain is expected to stick with the same lineup that impressed defensively against France, with Pedro Poro and Lamine Yamal fully fit. Midfielders Pedri and Mikel Merino, who were rested in the semifinal, are also expected to start on the bench again.

The projected Argentina lineup includes goalkeeper Dibu Martinez; defenders Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico; midfielders Gio Simeone or Nico Gonzalez or Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; and forwards Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. Spain’s expected lineup features David Raya in goal; Pedro Poro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella in defense; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Dani Olmo in midfield; and forwards Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Alex Baena.

The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two top teams, with tactical adjustments potentially playing a key role in the outcome.