Omani coaches expect tactical battle in final

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated Fifa World Cup finals in recent history as defending champions Argentina prepare to face Spain in the 2026 Fifa World Cup final on Sunday. While millions of football fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the showdown, Omani football experts believe the title will ultimately be decided by tactical discipline, fine margins and the ability of the two coaching staffs to make the right decisions under pressure.

Speaking to the Oman Observer, former Omani national team coaches shared their technical assessment of the final, highlighting the contrasting styles of both finalists while explaining why the match has all the ingredients to become another World Cup classic.

Former Oman national team coach Ibrahim Somar believes the two finalists have fully earned their places after displaying the highest technical standards during the competition. "The four teams that reached the semifinals represented the strongest sides in this World Cup. Argentina and Spain proved throughout the tournament that they possess the quality, experience and tactical organisation needed to compete at the highest level," Somar said.

He pointed out that despite reaching the same destination, the two finalists have taken very different footballing paths. "Spain's philosophy is built around controlling possession and constructing attacks patiently from the back before accelerating the tempo in the final third. Their players are technically gifted and extremely comfortable on the ball. Under their coaching staff, they have maintained excellent positional discipline while pressing aggressively whenever possession is lost."

According to Somar, Spain's midfield remains the team's biggest strength, allowing them to dictate matches and limit opponents' opportunities. "Once Spain establish control of possession, they become very difficult to stop. They circulate the ball intelligently and force opponents to chase the game for long periods. This tactical identity has made them one of the most entertaining teams of the tournament."

In contrast, Somar described Argentina as a side driven by leadership, unity and competitive mentality. "Lionel Messi remains the key figure in Argentina. He is not only the team's biggest star but also its emotional leader on the pitch. Every player works tirelessly to support him, and that unity has become one of Argentina's greatest strengths."

However, Somar stressed that Argentina's success cannot be attributed to Messi alone. "The entire squad has contributed throughout the tournament. Every player understands his role and sacrifices for the team. That collective commitment has allowed Argentina to overcome several difficult matches during the knockout rounds."

Based on the performances witnessed over recent weeks, Somar believes Argentina may hold a slight psychological advantage. "Looking at their performances in the last few matches, Argentina appear slightly closer to winning another World Cup title. They have shown enormous character under pressure and know exactly how to manage decisive matches. Their experience from winning the previous World Cup could prove to be an important factor."

Beyond predicting the final, Somar believes the tournament has offered valuable lessons for Omani football. "As domestic coaches, we have learned a great deal from this World Cup. We have watched coaches from different football schools implement various tactical philosophies with remarkable success. Our responsibility now is to transfer these ideas into our local competitions and continue developing Omani football through better coaching methodologies and tactical education."

SMALLEST MOMENTS

Former Oman national team coach Jamal bin Bakhsh al Balushi echoed similar sentiments, describing World Cup finals as contests decided by the smallest moments rather than overwhelming superiority. "World Cup finals are often decided by the smallest details. Tactical decisions, in-game adjustments and the ability of the coaches to read the match can ultimately determine who lifts the trophy," he explained.

According to Al Balushi, Argentina's greatest weapon extends beyond individual brilliance. "Argentina have reached a second consecutive World Cup final thanks to a combination of Lionel Messi's brilliance, the team's fighting spirit and their outstanding collective mentality. They have consistently shown resilience throughout the tournament, with every player willing to work for the team."

He believes Argentina's mentality has become one of their defining characteristics. "They never stop fighting regardless of the circumstances. Even when matches become difficult, they remain organised and mentally strong. Those qualities are essential in finals."

Discussing Spain, Al Balushi praised the European side's tactical identity and technical quality. "Spain rely on a completely different footballing philosophy. Their greatest strengths are collective play, ball possession and applying high pressure in the opposition's half. In my opinion, they possess the strongest midfield in the tournament."

He added that Spain's dominance in midfield could play a decisive role. " Their midfield allows them to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm of matches. When they are allowed to play their football, they can control games for long periods and gradually wear opponents down."

Despite offering his tactical observations, Al Balushi insisted that predicting a World Cup final remains extremely difficult. "Football always remains unpredictable. A World Cup final is influenced by many variables, and unexpected moments can change the course of the match in an instant. That is exactly what makes football so exciting." Jamal ended