Our World Cup final card tips are firmly in focus as Spain and Argentina prepare to battle for football’s biggest prize on Sunday evening. Kick-off is set for 8:00pm (UK Time), and you can find our selections for who we think will be booked, below.
With the trophy on the line, every tackle and tactical foul will carry extra significance, while Slavko Vincic’s appointment as referee adds another intriguing angle to the booking markets. We’ve picked out two players who look well worth backing to go into the book in New York New Jersey.
Marc Cucurella to be booked (7/2 with bet365)
Marc Cucurella has impressed throughout Spain’s run to the final, but Sunday’s showdown could provide his sternest defensive test of the tournament.
The Chelsea full-back picked up a yellow card in the semi-final against France and now faces the daunting prospect of containing Lionel Messi, who regularly drifts into wide areas to isolate defenders. Spain’s aggressive pressing system also leaves their full-backs exposed in transition, increasing the chances of Cucurella making a tactical foul to stop an Argentina counter attack.
His disciplinary record only strengthens the case. Cucurella collected 12 yellow cards and one red in the Premier League last season, and another high-intensity occasion could easily see him enter the referee’s notebook. At 7/2 with bet365, he looks one of the standout booking selections.
Enzo Fernandez to be booked (7/2 with 10Bet)
Enzo Fernandez has reached the World Cup final without receiving a yellow card, but that clean disciplinary record could come under serious pressure against Spain.
Argentina’s midfield will need to cope with the movement and technical quality of Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo, leaving Fernandez with the responsibility of breaking up attacks before they gather momentum. That responsibility often forces him to commit tactical fouls, especially when Spain dominate possession.
The midfielder also has a proven history of collecting bookings. Fernandez collected 10 yellow cards in the Premier League last season, and with emotions likely to run high in the biggest game in world football, 7/2 with 10Bet looks like an appealing price for him to go into the book.
Read our full Spain vs Argentina preview here
Read more:
