World Cup finals are often remembered for the players who score the winning goals. Yet just as frequently, they are defined by the goalkeepers who refuse to concede.When Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, much of the spotlight will be on Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and others. But behind the attacking stars stand two goalkeepers whose performances could ultimately decide football’s most prestigious prize.For Argentina, Emiliano Martinez has built a reputation as football’s ultimate big game goalkeeper. Whether producing a spectacular save in open play or unsettling opponents during penalty shootouts, the Aston Villa shot-stopper has repeatedly delivered when his country has needed him most.ALSO READ: Lamine Yamal: The baby Messi held 19 years ago is his World Cup His heroics in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph remain fresh in football history, particularly the dramatic last minute save against France’s Randal Kolo Muani before helping La Albiceleste win the penalty shootout. Four years later, he has once again guided Argentina to the final with several decisive interventions during the knockout rounds.Yet, despite his reputation, Martinez insists the focus is not on individual glory.First we have to win. I only focus on winning; I don't think beyond that. Whatever the result, these are moments we will remember for the rest of our lives, the Aston Villa shit stopper said ahead of the final.Across the pitch will be Spain's Unai Simon, whose influence is quieter but equally decisive.The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has been the cornerstone of Spain defensive success, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. Before Belgium finally found the net in the quarter-finals, Simon had gone an astonishing 650 consecutive minutes without conceding, the longest clean-sheet streak of the competition.ALSO READ: Slovenia's Slavko Vinčić appointed referee for FIFA World Cup finalUnlike Martinez, Simon's role extends beyond making saves. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, he regularly acts as an extra defender, helping Spain build attacks from deep.Explaining his role in Luis de la Fuente's system, Simon said, If we play long balls, they will win the duels. We have to make their forwards run, find the free man, and often that free man will be me.Former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, a member of FIFA Technical study group, believes Simon contribution goes far beyond traditional goalkeeping.Unai Simon is part of Spain identity. He is involved in the build-up, takes risks with the ball and gives confidence to the defenders in front of him. Conceding only one goal in seven matches is not a coincidence, he said.On Martinez, Zuberbuhler highlighted the Argentine’s mentality under pressure.Martinez has the mentality for big occasions. He is capable of producing extraordinary saves and has already shown that he can decide matches, especially if the final goes to penalties.The contrast between the two could hardly be greater. Simon relies on composure, positioning and distribution, while Martinez thrives on instinct, personality and game changing moments.Spain arrive in the final with the tournament’s best defence, while Argentina boast one of its most dangerous attacks. That contrast means the battle between Martinez and Simon may prove just as decisive as the duel between Messi and Spain’s young stars.History has shown that World Cup finals are often settled by a single moment, a brilliant save, a split-second decision or a goalkeeper rising to the occasion.On Sunday, Martinez and Simon have the opportunity to remind the football world that while strikers score the goals, great goalkeepers often win the World Cup.
