Spain are 90 minutes away from a second World Cup star, and according to former defender Cesar Azpilicueta, the blueprint for success is straightforward: do not change a thing.

Writing for BBC Sport, Azpilicueta — now back in Madrid after covering the tournament — says the entire country believes Spain can defeat Argentina on Sunday and replicate the glory of 2010. That belief, he argues, is rooted in evidence.

A team built on identity

Spain's 37-game unbeaten run, their Euro 2024 triumph, and a commanding semi-final victory over France have all reinforced an unshakeable sense of identity within Luis de la Fuente's squad. When the tournament opened with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, the players did not waver. When they needed late winners against Portugal and Belgium, they held their nerve.

"They have an identity they believe in, which means they always keep doing the same things," Azpilicueta wrote. Even after going ahead early against France — one of the pre-tournament favourites — Spain refused to sit back or alter their approach, and they conceded just one goal across their seven matches so far.

The shape stays constant regardless of personnel, with the priority always to keep possession and control matches. That, Azpilicueta insists, will not change even if Argentina score first in the final.

The Messi and Alvarez threat

Argentina arrive as reigning world champions, and Azpilicueta is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. Lionel Messi has been in exceptional form throughout the competition, demonstrating his ability to shift position — as he did against England — to unlock space and expose defences.

But it is Julian Alvarez who particularly captures Azpilicueta's attention. The two shared a dressing room at Atletico Madrid between 2023 and 2025, and the former defender describes Alvarez as "a very complete player" — one who cannot be pinned to a single role.

Alvarez drifts wide, drops deep, presses relentlessly, and arrives in the box with genuine clinical precision. He strikes with both feet and scores from distance as readily as he does from close range. "Like Messi, he is a difference-maker," Azpilicueta warned. "Spain will have to watch him closely."

Defensive discipline from front to back

Spain's strength is not limited to their attacking play. Azpilicueta highlights the defensive discipline running through the entire squad. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz diligently shield the back four, but even Lamine Yamal has contributed defensively — particularly in the semi-final against France, where Spain denied the opposition any clear opportunities.

Yamal has one goal to his name at this tournament — scored in the 4-0 group-stage win against Saudi Arabia — but his broader influence, from drawing defenders to creating space for team-mates, has been equally valuable.

Full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella have been equally impressive, contributing goals and assists while remaining defensively sound against high-quality opposition wingers.

Fitness growing at the right time

Azpilicueta acknowledges that some Spain players were not fully fit at the start of the tournament, suggesting Luis de la Fuente was always managing the squad with the long haul in mind. Now, heading into the final, confidence and fitness have both peaked at the ideal moment.

"The players have the chance to make the whole country happy," he wrote. "It won't be easy against Argentina — but they will go into the final feeling the best they have at this World Cup, and at the best possible time."