Spain vs Argentina
Given the pedigree of these two nations, it is incredible to think they have met only once in a competitive match.
Yes, Spain and Argentina—both two-time World Cup winners—have contested plenty of friendly football games against each other before now, the latter in 2010 in which the South Americans won 4-1 (although the newly crowned world champions were hardly fussed).
But not since 1966 at Villa Park, when Argentina triumphed 2-1, have they met when the stakes were high.
What betting odds would you have got on that?!
This time they meet in another friendly, the first ever to be held at Atletico Madrid’s new Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Friendly or not, the fixture will certainly have star quality, even if not all the star names will be there.
Lionel Messi (hamstring and adductor), Sergio Aguero (knee) —a former Atletico favourite—are out and Angel Di Maria is also unlikely to make it.
The former two have massive club games in the six weeks ahead, so it’s understandable why they won’t be risked.
Likewise, Spain, undefeated since Julen Lopetegui took charge after Euro 2016, are without David Silva (personal reasons) and don’t need to rush Gerard Pique (knock) and Sergio Ramos (paternity) back as a matter of urgency.
Yet, as I say, their absence should not detract from what should be very pleasing to the eye.
After holding the world champions Germany to a 1-1 draw, Spain are bidding to make it 18 matches without defeat.
After seeing off Italy in Manchester, Argentina are hoping to secure back-to-back friendly wins on European soil.
Many friends will be reunited in Madrid.
Manchester United’s two goalkeepers David de Gea and Sergio Romero are both likely to start.
Javier Mascherano will see his former Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta among them, while it’s home in more ways than one for Atletico trio Diego Costa, Koke and Saul Niguez.
It was the late, great Brian Clough who once said: ‘If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put grass up there.’
With these two nations known for their football art, this should be a compelling and aesthetically pleasing encounter.
That both go into the World Cup among the competition favourites also tells its own story.
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