It is 1-1 deep into the World Cup final and a clear opening appears for your leading attacker. Which player would you prefer to finish it: Haaland, Mbappe, Kane or Messi?

Lionel Messi. He displayed his enduring skill with a dazzling display versus Egypt, proving Argentina's number 10 retains his flair at 39. Although his spot-kick record stands at four successes from eight, he remains decisive in crucial moments. EA

On a chilly, damp evening in Stoke I might lean toward Haaland. Yet at this World Cup I select Messi. An air of destiny has followed him across Argentina's opening five matches - he has found the net in each - and I see no reason that would change in the showpiece. EB

Erling Haaland finds the target once every 14 touches here. He has converted 38.9 percent of attempts, topping anyone with at least ten shots. Choose Messi for flair, but Haaland offers the surest route to the net. BD

At present it is Kylian Mbappe. Both he and Messi appear almost impossible to contain and reshape matches at will. Still, the younger forward edges it after seven games in a six-week campaign. BAG

Argentina carry a special aura in which Messi's presence alone inspires teammates to deliver career-best moments when required. He continues to excel in his own role as well. JR

It must be Messi. Even late in his career he keeps the knack of settling contests instantly. He stayed quiet for long stretches against Egypt yet struck with a fine half-volley when it counted. LS

Can I hedge and say it depends on the opening? A penalty or header rules out Messi, but any other situation points to him. He appears to operate at a slower tempo than others, blending technique with an instinct for the simplest route to success. JW

Team most missed from the quarter-finals …

Although losing all three host nations in the last 16 was disappointing, Japan had been tipped by many as surprise contenders and justified that view with an exciting start against the Netherlands before exiting after pushing Brazil. A kinder draw could have taken them further. EA

Colombia. They entertained in the groups - few goalless draws have prompted such optimism as their stalemate with Portugal. Favorable ties followed, yet their last-16 exit felt avoidable with bolder play. Their supporters would have added color to any later clash. EB

Several African sides - Cape Verde, Senegal, DR Congo, Egypt and Ivory Coast - brought excitement. The USA might have built on early promise, but Mexico would have guaranteed further spectacle. BD

Certainly not the United States. I pick the Netherlands. They underperformed and suffered for cautious tactics versus Morocco, yet the event loses some of its tradition and drama without them. BAG

Is it too obvious to name any co-host? Tournaments shift once the home side departs; packed stands create a special atmosphere. JR

Sigh. The Netherlands. Doubts lingered over a squad heavy on defenders and light on forwards, and Koeman never convinced as a flexible tactician. Their exit felt likely after drawing Morocco. LS

Senegal represent the clearest loss. A tough group dented belief, yet they outplayed Belgium until late concessions. Belgium improved, but Senegal looked superior for most of that tie. JW

Dark horse to win …

Morocco have impressed under Mohamed Ouahbi, building on their semi-final run from four years ago. They could exact revenge against France. EA

Hard to pick one surprise from eight teams, so Switzerland. Their keeper has made 16 saves and conceded just three. Among the outsiders they hold the strongest expected-goal edge. Defense is solid; goals remain the question. EB

Six of the top eight ranked sides reached the quarters. Switzerland and Norway sit outside. The Swiss had an easy route and show little threat, so Norway inherit the label. Belgium could also surprise after their clinical win over the USA. BD

Norway sit below the main favorites, yet their striker defies expectations with 27 goals in his last 14 competitive internationals and seven in his first four World Cup games. BAG

Perhaps Zohran Mamdani saw something in this Morocco group. They have matured since 2022, shifting from spoilers to controllers. Victory over the Netherlands was notable, and they may regain a key player soon. JR

Are Norway merely an average surprise now? They return after a long absence but carry real momentum, winning even when not at their best. A win over England could open a path to the final. LS

Switzerland. They routinely exceed expectations in tournaments and boast a strong defense. Argentina cannot sustain peak emotion indefinitely, leaving a possible final against another European side. JW

Most important player left in the tournament …

With stars shining, Messi has ignored age, Mbappe has dominated and Kane has continued his club form. Yet Haaland's confidence after eliminating Brazil makes him essential viewing. England take note. EA

Kane. Without his goal versus Panama, England might have missed top spot in their group. His brace against DR Congo and later penalty plus assist kept them alive. He remains indispensable. EB

Obvious perhaps, yet it has to be Messi. He has scored 70 percent of Argentina's goals, many requiring exceptional skill. He shoulders the load. BD

Hard to argue otherwise: still Messi. Argentina are strong, but he bridges the gap to champions. One moment can rescue any deficit. BAG

As Haaland performs, so go Norway. Facing England then likely Argentina places him in favorable matchups. A route to the final appears open. JR

Michael Olise. He was less dominant against Paraguay than earlier, yet France may not meet such defensive setups again. LS

Messi. He alone can decide matches. If Argentina stay close, he can finish the job. Once he locks in, few can stop him. JW

The coaching advantage goes to ...

Thomas Tuchel deserves praise for England's resilience in Mexico City and remains the sole manager with Champions League success. Yet Didier Deschamps holds unmatched World Cup know-how. EA

Deschamps. In his final phase with France he has allowed attackers freedom rather than rigid control. The approach has elevated Mbappe, Olise and Dembele, making Les Bleus both effective and entertaining. EB

Belgium's Rudi Garcia outmaneuvered Mauricio Pochettino and crafted a plan that stifled a strong USA side. BD

Luis de la Fuente. Spain's quality is clear, but unity stands out. Players press and defend as one before letting the ball flow. BAG

Beyond Tuchel, De la Fuente has secured rare commitment from Spain. Their system stays tight and helps navigate difficult spells, as seen versus Portugal. A clinical finisher would complete the picture. JR

Mohamed Ouahbi. Previously a youth coach, he took senior charge only four months ago yet has guided a largely new Morocco squad with clear plans that have delivered results. France await in the quarters. LS

Thomas Tuchel. Early setups may draw criticism, but in-game changes against Croatia, Panama, DR Congo and Mexico have proved decisive, unlike his predecessor. JW

The semi-finals will be …

France v Spain; England v Argentina. EA

France v Spain; England v Argentina. EB

France v Spain; England v Argentina. BD

France v Spain; England v Switzerland. BAG

France v Spain; Norway v Argentina. JR

France v Spain; Norway v Argentina. LS

France v Spain, England v Argentina. JW

The winner will be ...

Spain 2-1 Argentina. Spain have impressed steadily despite an opening draw and look solid defensively, a trait often decisive in tournaments. They may be the side to halt France in the semis if Les Bleus advance past Morocco. England or Norway could sense an opening against a vulnerable Argentina defense, yet Messi ensures they cannot be dismissed.