World Cup Panelists Pick Spain in 2-1 Final, Back Messi as Decisive at 39
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
World Cup Panelists Pick Spain in 2-1 Final, Back Messi as Decisive at 39
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
Summary
Most panelists projected a Spain-Argentina final, with two prominent picks calling for Spain to win 2-1 and others split between France, England and Argentina.
France v Spain was the near-consensus semi-final on one side of the bracket, while the other was usually forecast as England v Argentina, though a minority backed Norway or Switzerland to break through.
Messi dominated the individual calls: several panelists said they would trust the 39-year-old most with a late chance, citing goals in all 5 matches and his 70% share of Argentina’s scoring.
Haaland and Mbappé still drew support as game-breakers—Haaland for a goal every 14 touches and 38.9% shot conversion, Mbappé for durability deep into the tournament.
Beyond the favorites, Morocco, Switzerland and Norway were the main dark-horse picks, while Japan, Colombia, Senegal and the Netherlands were cited as the quarter-final absences most felt.