World Cup final to feature first half-time show and winner’s rings
Anticipated World Cup final features new elements
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday in New York/New Jersey is set to introduce several new elements, including a half-time show and rings for the winning team. This match could potentially be the longest World Cup final in history, even without extra-time or penalties, due to these additions and mandatory hydration breaks.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time, and the trophy presentation could extend close to midnight. The extended duration is largely attributed to the inaugural half-time show, which is planned to be 11 minutes long, with additional time for setup and de-construction on the pitch.
This half-time entertainment is expected to feature performances by Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber. FIFA has stated that the show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Concerns have been raised by players’ unions regarding the potential for increased injury risk due to player inactivity during the extended half-time period.
American influences and political involvement
In a move reflecting American sports traditions, the winning team will receive World Cup winner rings, similar to those awarded in the Super Bowl. A total of 2,026 rings are being produced, with 30 designated for the winners and 1,996 available for sale.
Former US President Donald Trump is expected to be involved in the trophy presentation, marking his first attendance at a game in this tournament. Trump has been a prominent figure throughout the event, making various comments, including suggesting that Iran players should not participate and confirming he asked FIFA to allow USA’s Folarin Balogun to play despite a suspension. He also weighed in on criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s use of Harry Kane.
Controversy has also surrounded Argentina’s display of a Falklands banner after their victory against England. The head of the White House FIFA task force, Andrew Giuliani, has supported Argentina’s right to display the banner, citing First Amendment rights. FIFA’s rules, however, prohibit political messaging at games, and their disciplinary committee is considering the matter.
Tactical approaches and key players
On the pitch, Spain, the reigning European champions, will field players such as midfielders Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, and winger Lamine Yamal. Their goalkeeper, Unai Simon, is set to finish the tournament with the most clean sheets. Argentina, the current world champions, will rely on players like Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lionel Messi.
Messi, at 39, is participating in his third World Cup final and is well-positioned to claim both the golden boot as top scorer and the golden ball as best player. He previously retired from international football in 2016 but returned to win a World Cup and two Copa Americas.
Spain’s style emphasizes ball retention and a defined process, averaging 64% possession in the tournament. Coach Luis de la Fuente, a federation man who has worked with many of his players since their youth national teams, has reinvigorated their juego de posición model. Argentina, under coach Lionel Scaloni, has focused on restoring a more traditional Argentinian game with short passing and strong emotional bonds among players, aiming to secure a second World Cup for Messi.
Tactically, Argentina is expected to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, similar to their match against England, with Messi as a loose center-forward and Julián Alvárez on the left. A key strategy for Argentina will be to disrupt Spain’s midfield rhythm, possibly by assigning Alexis Mac Allister or Enzo Fernández to man-mark Rodri, who is considered the metronome of the Spain midfield. Spain is currently ranked second in FIFA world rankings, while Argentina holds the top spot.
Despite the high stakes, tickets for the final are still available, with some priced at $30,000 and others on FIFA’s resale platform listed as high as $2 million.
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Source: skysports.com
