'Fight-or-flight' response: What happens in players' heads before a billion-viewer audience

As players step onto the pitch for the World Cup final, they face the scrutiny of over a billion viewers, with the sport's biggest trophy at stake. Football psychologists delve into the mental processes, including the "fight-or-flight" response, that athletes experience under such extreme pressure.

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The closer the match gets, the greater the emotional surge becomes. It kicks in the body, the nervous system, and the thoughts.

Daniel Ekvall, a psychological advisor for the Swedish men's national team, explains that emotions intensify as the match approaches, triggering physiological and mental responses. "The closer the match gets, the greater the emotional surge becomes. It kicks in the body, the nervous system, and the thoughts," Ekvall stated.

To cope, players rely on established routines for physical and mental preparation, focusing on diet, sleep, and body care. Ekvall highlights psychological flexibility as a key trait, enabling athletes to perform even when experiencing nervousness or unexpected challenges. He cited Andreas Granqvist's performance in the 2017 World Cup playoff against Italy, where he openly discussed panic anxiety but still delivered a career-defining performance.

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They want the classic fight-or-flight response in their bodies so that they become more focused and can get the most out of their muscles.

Some athletes even welcome these heightened emotional states, seeking the "fight-or-flight" response to sharpen focus and maximize physical output. Ekvall suggests that the upcoming final between Argentina and Spain, both reigning champions, might involve less intense pressure compared to a situation where one team is a clear underdog. This dynamic could lead to a more open and exciting game, as teams may feel more inclined to pursue victory rather than solely avoid defeat.

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Argentina is the reigning world champion and Spain won the European Championship most recently. So even though it is a pressured situation, they may not have as sharp a knife to their throat.