These are the ideal positions of the SP according to Ivkovic and Rendulić.

As the World Cup approaches its climax, fans and analysts alike are dissecting the performances of teams competing for the title. The semi-final matches have set the stage for two intense encounters, with France facing England in the third-place playoff on Saturday at 11 PM local time, and Spain battling Argentina in the final on Sunday at 9 PM local time. Among the voices offering insight into these developments are Croatian football experts Tomislav Ivković and Krunoslav Rendulić, both of whom have presented their ideal World Cup squads based on their analysis of the tournament so far. Ivković, a former coach and current commentator for HRT's Americana program, has chosen a squad that diverges from conventional expectations. Notably, he did not include Kylian Mbappé, the French star who has been central to his team’s campaign. Instead, Ivković opted for Lamine Yamal, the Spanish winger who scored one goal during the tournament despite playing while injured. This decision reflects Ivković’s belief that Mbappé might have been better suited as a wide player rather than a central striker. He argued that France failed to reach the final because the team was not at the level required to compete at this stage, suggesting that Mbappé’s role should have been more supportive rather than leading the attack. According to Ivković, Mbappé lacks discipline in his positioning, often failing to return to defensive responsibilities, which led to the decision to place him in a central attacking role instead. He emphasized that the success of a team must align with the strengths of its individual players, noting that Spain operates differently tactically compared to other nations. Rendulić, another prominent figure in Croatian football commentary, also shared his vision of the ideal World Cup squad. His selection includes two Spanish players on the flanks, a choice he acknowledged could be seen as unfair to some players. However, Rendulić defended his decision, stating that he evaluated each player's impact throughout the tournament before making his selections. While there may be room for debate regarding certain omissions, Rendulić maintained that his list represented the fairest assessment of the players' contributions thus far. Both Ivković and Rendulić have offered contrasting perspectives on how the best players performed in the tournament. Their analyses highlight the complexity of selecting an ideal lineup, considering not just individual brilliance but also the tactical roles each player fulfills within their respective teams. These insights provide valuable context for understanding the dynamics of the competition as it reaches its final stages. The upcoming matches will determine the ultimate winners of the World Cup, with Spain and Argentina set to face off in the final. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these teams perform under pressure, with the outcome likely influenced by the strategic decisions made by coaches and the execution of key players. As the tournament nears its conclusion, the discussions around ideal lineups continue to evolve, reflecting the ever-changing nature of competitive sports.