New Delhi: Brazil legend Ronaldo has backed Spain to comfortably defeat defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final, saying the European side's style of play and tactical identity make them clear favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain secured their place in Monday's final with a 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 and reach a second consecutive World Cup final.
Speaking ahead of the title clash, the two-time World Cup winner said Spain have played the best football of the tournament.
"I think Spain will win and the game will be easy. For me, France and Spain have always been the favourites, and I always remember the programme before the France-Spain game I said the champion would win that game," Ronaldo told ESPN.
Spain have been among the tournament's standout performers, recovering from an opening draw against Cabo Verde by winning six successive matches to reach the final while conceding just one goal.
Ronaldo credited Spain's success to a long-established footballing philosophy.
"I think Spain wins easily with football played in an extraordinary way. Their DNA is not just the football played in this World Cup; they have been doing this for a long time. They grew up playing this way. I think there's a lot of Pep Guardiola in there to have started this philosophy," he added.
Despite predicting a comfortable Spanish victory, Ronaldo praised Argentina for their resilience throughout the tournament and reserved special praise for captain Lionel Messi, whose performances have once again inspired the defending champions.
"What is still an absolute success for Argentina in this World Cup is the way they turned games around on several occasions. Messi, one more time, makes one more beautiful story at a World Cup. It's a team that demonstrates character and a spirit of overcoming. It's very beautiful and admirable, and we have to learn from it," he said.
However, Ronaldo believes Argentina will struggle to cope with Spain's dominance in possession and structured style of play.
"The way Spain play is very automated. They know exactly what to do in every phase of the game. They never rush, they move the ball quickly, control the tempo, and use possession to dictate the match," he said.
The final will also see Messi face Spain's new generation led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with Argentina chasing back-to-back World Cup titles and Spain aiming to win the tournament for only the second time in their history.
With IANS inputs