The Opta supercomputer has predicted that Spain will defeat Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, giving La Roja a 45.1% chance of winning in regulation time. The match is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Supercomputer Predictions Favor Spain
According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain has a 45.1% likelihood of securing their second World Cup title within 90 minutes. In contrast, Argentina is given only a 29.4% chance of victory in normal time. The data also suggests a 25.4% probability that the match will go into extra time or be decided by a penalty shootout.
Spain advanced to the final after a 2-0 win over pre-tournament favorites France in the semi-finals. Argentina, the defending champions, secured their spot by defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic comeback.
Betting Odds Align with Predictions
Bookmakers have also installed Spain as slight favorites to lift the trophy, reflecting the supercomputer's forecast. Spain's recent form, including their victory over France, has bolstered confidence in their chances.
Following the win against France, Spain midfielder Rodri said: "I'm very proud of my team and what it represents for us. Now it's time to rest because we probably have the most important match of our lives on Sunday." He added: "We all needed each other. I had a lot of help in the midfield to control such a physical and aggressive team on second balls - I would say it was a very complete match."
Messi's Historic Opportunity
Lionel Messi, who inspired Argentina's semi-final victory, is expected to feature in the final. If he plays, he will become only the second player after Brazilian icon Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals, having played in 2014 and 2022.
A win for Argentina would also make Messi the first captain to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, following their triumph over France in Qatar four years ago.
Reflecting on the semi-final win over England, Messi said: "It was a special match against England, we couldn't lose. While this group doesn't owe anything to anyone, you know how Argentinians are, we always demand more." He continued: "I think if we had lost today, people would have come out and said some nonsense, and we didn't give them the chance. We knew that we were better than them in terms of football."
Messi added: "Everything we experienced was incredible, from the very beginning, as we said. Although it was a football match, when we started to enter the field and during the anthem, we experienced special feelings, and the group felt that. It wasn't just another victory; it was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too, and it put us in another World Cup final. It's crazy to play two World Cup finals in a row. This group is incredible."
