India, July 17 -- And then there were two. Spain stand between Argentina being the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Another way of looking at Sunday's final is that Argentina can stop Spain from completing a world and European double in the 104th game of a tournament where the football has been delightful. The Finalissima that didn't happen last year due to the crisis in West Asia will now take place in New Jersey.

A team with technically adept players will be up against one that does not give up. And have Lionel Messi. There were times when Messi's farewell looked imminent but Argentina have managed to take it to the last game. Win and Messi will go where even Diego Maradona has not. Argentina play through him...