Spanish media dream of Argentina final after Spain's semi-final win over France

Spain secured their place in the World Cup final after defeating France in the semi-finals, setting up a Sunday showpiece against either England or Argentina. With an extra day’s rest before their opponents are confirmed, Spanish media figures have been vocal about which side they would rather face.

The consensus from one prominent corner of the Spanish press is clear: Argentina. Juanma Castano, director of El Partidazo de COPE, put it plainly after the semi-final. “While I’d like to beat England tomorrow, I want Argentina in the final,” he said. “I have the feeling that we’ve been wanting to see that match our whole lives, our whole lives. Spain vs. Argentina in a World Cup final.”

Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares echoed the sentiment on the same programme. “It’s every player’s dream, I think, ever since they saw Maradona play,” he said.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who was central to the victory over France, shares that preference — driven in part by the prospect of facing Lionel Messi, his former Barcelona teammate. “Facing Leo Messi in a World Cup final would be fantastic. I hope so!” Yamal said.

Yamal’s influence in the semi-final was evident from the opening stages. He won an early penalty, converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, before Pedro Porro added a second to seal the win in the second half.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was visibly moved after the result. “A lot of tension builds up, it is a huge responsibility, and to be in the final of a World Cup is a luxury,” he said. “It is only for the chosen ones. These players deserve it all because they show day after day their commitment, their generosity, their talent. They make the difficult look so easy.”

The case for Argentina as the preferred opponents is not purely sentimental. Spanish pundits acknowledge that England lack recent World Cup-winning experience, while Argentina — despite some unconvincing performances in this tournament — are the reigning world champions. Whether that makes them the more desirable or more dangerous opponent is a question Spain may soon have to answer on the pitch.