Spain's Clockwork and Messi's Pitbulls: The Stats of the World Cup Finalists

The men between the sticks kick things off.

There, Argentina boasts the more renowned presence in Emiliano Martinez (33). This is likely also due to the fact that the Villa keeper made headlines at the last World Cup not only with heroic saves but also with provocations and psychological games.

The choice of Unai Simon (29) caused some surprise in Spain. Instead of Arsenal's David Raya (30) or Joan Garcia (25) from FC Barcelona, Luis de la Fuente opted for Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper. Betting on the established number one has long proven to be the right decision.

Simon's numbers are significantly stronger than those of his Argentine counterpart. The first and so far only goal conceded came in the quarter-finals against Belgium, and Spain's number one also boasts the best "Save Percentage" of all goalkeepers.

Statistically, however, Martinez belongs more to the weaker goalkeepers. With seven goals conceded, he let in almost as many as he made saves (nine). On top of that, he conceded 1.4 goals more than he statistically should have. Nevertheless, the penalty killer from Mar de Plata has amply demonstrated what he is capable of, especially in decisive matches.

Intensity.

What distinguishes Spain and Argentina, in addition to their technical and offensive qualities, is their vehemence and effectiveness in playing without the ball.

Spain, in any case, has practiced the highest and most aggressive pressing throughout the tournament. No team ended the opponent's build-up play as often within three passes as the Spaniards (93).

This paid off in the form of high ball recoveries. Luis de la Fuente's team is also a leader in "High Turnovers," meaning ball recoveries within 40 meters of the opponent's goal.

Argentina, in comparison, does not press as high or aggressively, and therefore ranks "only" seventh and eighth in those categories in the World Cup comparison.

The numbers underline the unforeseen qualities that a technically adept team like the "Furia Roja" now possesses.

No team won more aerial duels than the Iberians, where, alongside top holding midfielder Rodri, players like Pedro Porro (85.7%), Pedri (75%), and Ferran Torres (83.3%) surprise with impressive records.

Argentina ranks only 21st, but with the central defensive duo of Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, they still boast two aerial monsters in their ranks.

In "Recoveries" (ball recoveries, second balls), the Spaniards are also setting the standard. They won a total of 353 balls over the course of the tournament, with Argentina coming in as the fourth-best team behind France and Belgium with 304.

On the ground, however, the fighting spirit of the "Albiceleste" truly shines. No team registered more tackles than the South Americans (141) during the tournament, and Scaloni's squad also leads in the "Interceptions" (intercepted passes) category.

Austria, by the way, lands in last place among all participants in the "Ground Duels won" category with 40.6%.

When it comes to defensive work in this statistical review, one name is unavoidable – Rodri.

The Ballon d'Or winner registered the fifth-most ball recoveries, the second-most tackles, covered the most distance of all players, and is also high up in the duel and aerial duel rankings.

Among the Argentines, it's difficult to highlight just one player. Alongside the midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, central defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez stand out with strong figures.

The full-backs of both teams also showed top form in the current tournament. Spain's Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro were among the strongest performers both offensively and defensively, while for Argentina, Nicolas Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina have done a very good job, especially when playing without the ball.

Overall, both teams are individually matched in defense, but the number of goals conceded clearly speaks in favor of the Spaniards.

Incidentally, Lionel Messi contested the most duels, winning 51 of his 91 ground duels.

The passing statistics of both finalists read as absolutely world-class.

Argentina and Spain played the most (successful) passes of all participants. With 90.5% completed passes, the South Americans are leaders in pass completion rate, while Spain ranks fourth behind Portugal (90.1%) and Austrian FA opponent Algeria (89.9%).

That high possession share is not a direct success factor is proven by Turkey (65.8%) and Germany (65.2%) – the two disappointments of the tournament occupy the top two spots in this statistic. Spain has the third-highest value, while Argentina has the sixth-highest, behind South Korea and Algeria.

Crosses, however, are not a strong suit of the Iberians. With 101 deliveries, Yamal, Baena, and co. played the third-most of all participants, but only 18 found a teammate. Of Argentina's 64 crosses, 15 were successful.

The passing statistics of individual players from both teams are even more impressive.

With Rodri and the central defensive duo of Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, three Spaniards lead the ranking of the tournament's "passing machines" – this trio has played the most (successful) passes of all players so far.

Despite playing the second-most passes overall, the only 19-year-old Cubarsi has the sixth-best pass completion rate of all players at 96.0%. The absolute leader is England central defender Ezri Konsa (97.2%), while the best Austrian was Xaver Schlager with 91.6%.

Leandro Paredes (4th) and Enzo Fernandez (6th), two of Argentina's three central midfielders, are not far behind them. In fact, the Argentines, featuring the defensive duo of Romero and Martinez, as well as the midfield trio of Paredes, Fernandez, and Mac Allister, generally show slightly better pass completion rates than the Spaniards. However, they also played significantly more passes.

Spain: Consistency and Efficiency

Let's move to the offense.

System and a clear pattern on one side, spectacle and unpredictability on the other.

In attack, Spain also impresses with sophisticated plays and flawless passing. Sooner or later, the "Furia Roja," with the exception of the opening match against Cape Verde (0-0), always managed to dismantle the weary opponent's defense and strike in the opposition's penalty area.

Luis de la Fuente's team achieved their goal successes not through set pieces or spectacular long-range efforts, but through intelligent combination play and positional game.

Spain's offense is reliable, but they scored more than two goals only against Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Austria (3-0). The "Expected Goals" align almost perfectly with the goals actually scored.

Argentina's record looks significantly different.

Two free-kick goals, a total of five set-piece goals, and three long-range goals from open play underscore the versatility of the South Americans' attacking repertoire.

This is also reflected in the ratio between xG value and goals – Argentina scored almost five more goals than expected.

The reigning world champions' path to the final was once again paved by dream goals like those from Julian Alvarez against Switzerland or Enzo Fernandez against England.

With almost 17% of chances converted, the Argentines are more effective in front of the opponent's goal.

Messi Outshines Everyone

While Spain's top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal and super-sub Mikel Merino emerged as the offensive figureheads for the Iberians, and players like Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, and Rodri pulled the strings in the background, few will be surprised whose name needs to be highlighted when analyzing individual offensive players.

Lionel Messi is the be-all and end-all in the 'Albiceleste's' game. According to FIFA data, the eight-time World Footballer of the Year has been directly involved in 83.3% of Argentina's goals so far and symbolizes the passionate power-football of Scaloni's squad.

"La Pulga" created the most chances of all players in the tournament; Spain's best chance creator, Alex Baena, has less than half. Eight goals, four assists – and all in seven matches.