It is the top scorers against the tournament's meanest defence. With Argentina having netted 19 goals and Spain conceding just once over seven matches, both goalkeepers are likely to play major roles at New York New Jersey Stadium.
There is real contrast in styles between the charismatic Argentinian Emiliano Martinez and the quiet confidence of Spain's Unai Simon. What they have in common, though, is being at the top of the list of the best goalkeepers on the planet, with Martinez and Simon playing a pivotal role in Spain's victory at UEFA EURO 2024.
Both keepers have been in fantastic form in North America, guiding their teams to the World Cup Final.
Simon kept a clean sheet for an incredible 650 minutes — — before Belgium managed to score in the quarter-finals. That goal in a 2-1 victory for La Roja was the only goal the Athletic Bilbao star has conceded thus far in the tournament.
Although Argentina have conceded seven goals, and have relied upon late comebacks to secure their place in the final, Martinez was in particularly good form against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Following his heroics against France in the Qatar 2022 showpiece, it is clear the Aston Villa man knows how to meet the big moments.
Former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, who leads the FIFA Technical Study Group at the World Cup, says Simon can adopt a risky strategy when in possession of the ball with his feet.
"It is interesting to see the position of the goalkeeper in the build-up phase. I think you can see Spain in this tournament, Unai Simon is part of the DNA as the extra player in the build-up. If they have the ball at the defence, they give the ball straight away to the goalkeeper. He doesn't need to offer himself so much," Zuberbuhler told FIFA.
"He is so offensive and takes a lot of risk even if he doesn't concede a lot of goals. You can say he hasn't been tested in the World Cup but conceding one goal in seven games does not come by accident. He hasn't made big saves like other goalkeepers but his performances are highly rated. He took a lot of risk in two situations in the semi-final with France, supporting the defensive line outside of the box."
Zuberbuhler adds that Martinez is a big-game player who can bank on his experience from Argentina's victory at Qatar 2022.
"With Martinez, we know he is a crazy goalkeeper in a positive direction. He can make the save of the day. He has the mindset and bravery to make the save, like he did in 2022 the 123rd minute with his outstanding X-block against France, he is able to do it in this final.
"He is able to go to the penalty shootout and save three penalties. He is a crazy goalkeeper who has a clear mindset when he needs it. That is why this final will be so crucial to see these two goalkeepers. On the one side you see the Argentina goalkeeper who can make the extra save and on the other side, Simon fits so well into Spain."
Zuberbuhler says no goalkeeper has the advantage over the other. "Argentina will find it tough to break down Spain but they showed against England their attitude, belief and 100 per cent commitment to each other. This will be fantastic to see."
Sources: FIFA Official
