World Cup final will be decided by small margin of details: Gouramangi Singh

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Former India defender and captain Gouramangi Singh believes the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be decided by the "small margins of details", with the title clash pitting Spain's relentless pressing game against Argentina's champion's mentality and composure under pressure. Gouramangi said both teams have earned their place in the final through contrasting but equally effective approaches, making it difficult to pick an outright favourite. "The game will be decided by small margins of details. Both teams have done very well and it's not just because they are in the final," Gouramangi told PTI on Saturday. The former centre-back singled out Spain's aggressive pressing and defensive transitions as the foundation of their campaign. "If you see Spain in this World Cup, they have not conceded not only because of the goalkeeper. Spain play a pressing game. They press the opposition's defence, keep possession, but the moment they lose the ball, they transition into defence really well." "They don't give opponents time on the ball. The moment they lose possession, they counter-press immediately. That's one of Spain's biggest strengths. Even their attacking players contribute defensively." On Argentina, Gouramangi said the defending champions have displayed the temperament that separates title-winning teams from the rest. "They are showing a champion's mentality. Champions don't always dominate games; they also know how to suffer. Argentina have not shown panic at any stage. They stay alive in the game and remain composed." He added that while Lionel Messi remains Argentina's biggest match-winner, the South American heavyweight is no longer dependent solely on their talisman. "Besides Messi, they have players who can change the game in a moment. They know how they want to play and they don't panic." Asked to identify the favourites, Gouramangi refused to lean decisively either way. "If Spain can impose their characteristics, they have a very good chance. But Argentina are composed and very clear about how they want to go about the game. They have players who can seize the key moments and the team stays calm." Gouramangi also played down the much-hyped narrative of the final being a symbolic passing of the torch between Messi and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. "I don't see it as a Messi versus Yamal narrative. It's a World Cup final between two outstanding teams. Messi has been doing it for 20 years now, and it is incredible, but then again, I don't want to dwell on if he is the GOAT. Definitely, Messi is one of the greatest players. "Lamal is one of the biggest stars of the future and is an exceptionally good player," Gouramangi said, while adding that Messi could still prove to be the decisive factor on the biggest stage. On their way to the final, Spain showcased tactical dominance in the knockout stages, culminating in a convincing 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals. Their journey relied on a blend of youthful midfield creativity and clinical finishing. Argentina have had a fierce, high-intensity campaign so far in the tournament. They secured their spot in the title clash by defeating England in a high-stakes semi-final clash. Both footballing powerhouses remained unbeaten on their way to the summit showdown. PTI AH AH AM AM