While Argentina’s dramatic flair, showcased in comebacks against Egypt and England in the Round of 16 and semis, respectively, has mesmerized fans, Spain has also risen to the occasion in nailbiters. Mikel Merino’s stoppage time goal, in the 91st minute, gave Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16, and the Arsenal midfielder scored again against Belgium, in the 88th minute, in Spain’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory. 

“On Sunday, we will watch a great show,” says de la Fuente.

“Their star has been the collective,” says Holden, about Spain. “This is their identity. It’s cultural. From 5 years old, you play this formation, this style. There’s a cohesion. There’s a fluidity to the way they play.” 

Striker Mikel Oyarzabal, who plays for La Liga team Real Sociedad, leads Spain with five goals during this World Cup. Yamal has just one, against Saudi Arabia in the group stage. If Spain wins, Yamal would become the third-youngest player, behind Pele and Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi, to start and win a World Cup final  (while teammate Cubarsi, some six months older, would become the fourth-youngest).