World Cup finalists Argentina and Spain compared by the numbers

Sunday's World Cup final pits defending champions Argentina against Spain, the South American champions versus the European champions. Here is how the two teams compare statistically, with data adjusted per 90 minutes where necessary because Argentina have played an hour more football than Spain due to two of their games going to extra time.

Attack: Argentina's clinical edge

Argentina have scored 19 goals, the most of any team at the tournament, thanks to clinical finishing. They have netted at least two goals in each of their past 13 World Cup matches, a streak dating back to their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture four years ago. Despite taking more shots, Spain have scored six fewer goals, matching their expected goals (xG) of 13.3, indicating average finishing. Argentina have scored only one more goal from inside the box but have been far more dangerous from distance, with five goals from outside the box compared to Spain's none.

Defense: Spain's impenetrable record

Spain have conceded just one goal, in their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium. Argentina have conceded seven, though they can consider themselves unlucky: only three teams have allowed fewer shots, and only Spain have a lower xG against per 90 minutes. Spain's defense has been in a league of its own, with the lowest defensive xG overall (2.1), even lower than Uruguay's 2.4 despite Uruguay exiting in the group stage. Spain have allowed the hardest chances to score, as shown by a map of shots faced with no large dots representing high-quality opportunities.

Work rate and possession

Spain work hard off the ball: they run and sprint more per 90 minutes than Argentina, and only Uruguay (7.7) have won possession in the final third more frequently. Argentina have been outrun by every opponent at this World Cup, totaling 17 km less overall, but have won every match. Their less intense approach means they should not face a fitness disadvantage in the final, having also rested many players in their final group stage win over Jordan. Both teams have dominated possession in most games, though Spain had only 51% in their semi-final win over France and Argentina just 48% in their 3-0 group stage victory over Algeria, showing neither needs to dominate the ball to win.

Crossing and aerial duels

Spain have whipped in far more crosses overall, but Argentina have increased their crossing as the tournament progressed. After attempting only 13 crosses in open play in their first four games, Argentina have attempted 51 in their past three, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner from one against England. Spain have the best aerial duel success rate at the World Cup, giving them an advantage in the air. However, the two finalists' overall duel success rates are very similar, meaning Argentina have been slightly more dominant on the ground.