Alan Shearer has backed Argentina to defeat Spain in the World Cup final, but his confidence is tempered, citing just one reason for his prediction: Argentina's sheer grit. Speaking to Betfair, the former England striker acknowledged Spain's brilliance but ultimately favoured the defending champions for their resilience under pressure.
Spain's Dominance vs Argentina's Resilience
Spain enter the final in New Jersey as slight favourites, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. Their 2-0 semi-final victory over France showcased their quality, though Shearer noted their opening group match—a goalless draw with Cape Verde—as a potential concern. He drew parallels to Spain's 2010 World Cup campaign, where they lost their first match to Switzerland yet went on to win the title.
Argentina, meanwhile, have taken a more arduous path. They required extra time in two knockout rounds and came from behind in two others, including a 2-1 win over Egypt and a 1-0 deficit against England. Shearer highlighted their never-say-die attitude as a defining trait. 'They’ve been in some really sticky situations... there’s just something about them that you have to admire,' he said.
Messi's Spark and Shearer's Gut Feeling
Lionel Messi's form has been a crucial factor for Argentina. 'When Messi is in your team, you’ve always got a chance,' Shearer added. Despite Spain's composure and ball retention, Shearer's final verdict hinged on Argentina's gutsy performances. 'Honestly, I’m just going to say Argentina just because of how gutsy they are,' he concluded.
Shearer's World Cup Reflections
Looking back at the tournament, Shearer praised the event overall but voiced concerns. He was baffled by some VAR decisions, disliked the hydration breaks, and noted travel issues. However, he celebrated Cape Verde's success in holding both Spain and Argentina to draws, calling it 'a great success story.'
