Terry Predicts Spain to Edge Argentina in World Cup Final

In the Sports Uncensored programme, England football legend John Terry has shared his prediction for the upcoming World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Spain secured their place in Sunday’s final in New Jersey after producing an impressive 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France. Despite entering the match as the team many expected to lift the trophy, France were completely outplayed by the European champions.

Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after 19-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal won the penalty. France, who were aiming to reach their third World Cup final, were unable to find a response, and Pedro Porro’s second-half goal sealed the result and ended their hopes.

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain will now face Argentina in the final. The reigning champions booked their place after a dramatic comeback victory over England in the other semi-final.

England, who were hoping to end a 60-year wait for another World Cup triumph, took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike. However, Argentina fought back when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez equalised with a long-range effort from outside the box. Then, deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez scored a dramatic header to send Argentina into the final.

Terry praised Argentina’s resilience and fighting spirit against England, admitting that with Lionel Messi in the squad, anything is possible. However, the former Chelsea captain still believes Spain will ultimately lift the World Cup trophy.

The former Chelsea defender, who won five Premier League titles with the club and earned 78 caps for England, said on Sports Uncensored:

“I watched both semi-finals live, and I have to say that, in my opinion, Spain are the favourites to win the tournament.”

“Both teams are comfortable in possession and play a similar style of football, but looking back at Argentina’s performance last night, almost all of their attacking play went through Messi’s side on the right.”

“Whenever they tried to switch the ball to the left, it quickly came back to the right again. Spain, on the other hand, have a huge threat down their left side. Cucurella was named Man of the Match in the first semi-final, and their attacking play from that flank has been extremely dangerous.”

“Also, keeping a clean sheet against France and conceding almost nothing throughout this World Cup has been incredible. For me, Spain’s overall strength is greater than Argentina’s.”

Terry acknowledged that Argentina remain a major threat and highlighted their ability to find ways to win matches.

“Argentina are still a huge danger. As we have seen throughout this World Cup, they always find a way to win. With Messi, the ‘magician’, they always have a chance.”

“But I still feel Spain are stronger overall than this Argentina side. Of course, the resilience and toughness Argentina showed against England is something many teams do not have.”

“One thing I really admired about them against England was that after every challenge, the whole team would get involved and create a bit of tension. They are incredibly united and full of determination. However, I still believe Spain will win a close final.”

Scottish football legend Graeme Souness also believes Spain hold a slight advantage heading into the final.

He said:
“This match is extremely difficult to predict. We have already seen Argentina’s style. From the first minute, they will try to disrupt you with little tricks and make you lose focus instead of concentrating purely on football.”

“I think Spain are the favourites, but I cannot rule Argentina out. They can fight until the very end, and underestimating them would be a mistake.”

“Spain have a slight advantage, but I have played against many Argentine players and know how strong their mentality is. They come from a nation of fighters and produce players with incredible toughness. This will be a very evenly matched contest, and it is genuinely difficult to predict.”

Argentina will be aiming to win their fourth World Cup title and become only the third nation in history to successfully defend the trophy. Meanwhile, Spain are hoping to lift the World Cup for the second time after their 2010 triumph.
The two losing semi-finalists, England and France, will face each other in the World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday.