Argentina's probable lineup for World Cup final

Argentina look set to keep Julian Alvarez in attack for Sunday's World Cup final against France after he scored twice in a devastating combination with Lionel Messi in the semi-final.

Following is Argentina's probable starting 11:

Emiliano Martinez

The 30-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper, nicknamed "Dibu" for a freckled cartoon character, breathes confidence and charisma into the team from the back. He has pulled off some show-stopping saves in Qatar, including two in the quarter-final shootout against the Netherlands, joyfully dancing in front of fans and on a table in the changing room.

Cristian Romero

After the embarrassment of being part of a defence that let lowly Saudi Arabia score twice in their opening defeat at the World Cup, the 24-year-old Tottenham Hotspur centre back has recovered his poise and helped Argentina keep three clean sheets in their five-match winning run to the final.

Nicolas Otamendi

Romero's central defence partner, Otamendi, who plays for Benfica, is a decade older at 34 and has oozed experience in Qatar. He has helped Argentina's historically vulnerable defence show calm and solidity at the back in the main, with the exception of a mad five minutes against the Saudis and another crazy two-goal comeback by the Dutch before a shootout.

Nahuel Molina

The 24-year-old right back plays for Atletico Madrid and made his debut in mid-2021. He scored his first goal for the national side in the World Cup quarter-final against the Dutch, which Argentina won on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Nicolas Tagliafico

The 30-year-old Lyon left back played superbly against Croatia in the semi-final and offers Argentina defensive solidity. He could, though, be replaced by Marcos Acuna if coach Lionel Scaloni opts for a more