Capello analyzes the final between Spain and Argentina: "Lautaro in reserve?"

Capello analyzes the final between Spain and Argentina: "Lautaro in reserve?"

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Context

Lionel Messi, icon of Argentine football, will play a central role in the final against Spain. His ability to excel in decisive moments will be tested, especially considering the pressure Spain are expected to put on him. Messi's performance could not only determine the outcome of the final, but also shape expectations for his participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Why this matters

Fabio Capello's analysis of the final between Spain and Argentina highlights the importance of the teams' physical and tactical performance. Spain, with its solid structure, is seen as a difficult opponent, while Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, could face challenges due to the wear and tear of the semi-final against England. This match is not only a sporting confrontation, but also a reflection of expectations for the 2026 World Cup, where both teams seek to establish themselves as powers in world football.

Main conclusions

• Capello analyzes the final between Spain and Argentina: "Lautaro in reserve?".
• Fabio Capello analyzes the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, highlighting Spain's solidity and Argentina's possible difficulties, especially in relation to the physical exhaustion of the semi-final.
• Capello su Spagna-Argentina: "Lautaro fuori? Gli allenatori sono superstiziosi...".

Former coach Fabio Capello made a detailed analysis of the World Cup grand final between Spain and Argentina, highlighting the solidity and structure of the Spanish team. In an interview with _Gazzetta dello Sport_, Capello states that the match represents the most fascinating outcome of the tournament. He reveals that, at first, he expected a different final, thinking that France, with its powerful attack, would be the favorite, but the reality turned out to be very different. "Honestly, I thought the final would be between France and another team, but Spain proved to be an unbeatable opponent," said Capello, referring to the disappointment he had with the French team and with England, who gave in to pressure during the tournament. He praises Spain's game structure, which presents itself as a complete team that is difficult to beat. "The match will be very technical. Spain will try to nullify Messi, putting pressure on him so that he cannot do what he did in the last minutes against England. They will wait for the right opportunity to attack, taking advantage of their dominance in midfield", he explains. However, Capello raises concerns about the fitness of Argentina, who had a grueling semi-final against England. "Argentina fought hard and won, but this physical and mental exhaustion could influence their performance in the final. The question is: did the victory bring enough energy to recover?" He suggests that Scaloni's team must manage the moments of the match better to avoid difficulties at the end. The main focus of the analysis revolves around Lionel Messi. Capellobelieves that Spain cannot afford to mark Messi individually, as he can create plays in tight spaces. "The only viable strategy is to put pressure on him, making his reasoning and passing options difficult. The problem is that he always finds a way to get rid of that pressure", he comments. Furthermore, Capello looks at Scaloni's choices for the attack, raising the possibility of Lautaro Martínez starting on the bench. "Coaches are superstitious. If I were the coach, I would leave Lautaro out. But, jokes aside, let's see who Scaloni will choose based on the last matches and the tournament as a whole. The options on the bench will be crucial for the result of the final", concludes Capello.

What happens next

With the final approaching, Argentina will need to find ways to regain their energy and maintain Messi's effectiveness on the pitch. Spain's strategy, focused on neutralizing Messi's impact, will be crucial to the outcome of the match. Expectations are high, as the result could influence the preparation of both teams for the 2026 World Cup, where the rivalry between Spain and Argentina could intensify even further.