We have reached the final of one of the most enthralling FIFA World Cups of recent times. It is Argentina vs France, a thrilling heavyweight finish that this unpredictable FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has deserved.
According to the official FIFA rankings, this is No. 3 vs No. 4. However, as the tournament has passed by, these are the two most deserving teams.
Despite missing out on key players due to injury, France has been sensational. The attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud that helped them win in 2018, has come back with similar aplomb. Add in that, Ousmane Dembele, and they’re an attack worthy of reaching the final.
Back-to-back?
🇫🇷 France are one game away from their second straight #FIFAWorldCup title
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
Yet, Argentina is not a team that can be shaken easily. Lionel Messi and Co. have been on an extraordinary run of wins since their shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in the first round. Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez has been the surprise package at this World Cup, scoring four goals for the La Albiceleste. On the other side, Emiliano Martinez has been the star goalkeeper for the South Americans after his penalty heroics against the Netherlands and clean sheet against Croatia.
Can Lionel Messi finally win the World Cup against Kylian Mbappe’s France?
France’s performances throughout the tournament have been topsy turvy but they have made sure to grind out results. That is exactly what you need to win an international tournament.
Didier Deschamps’ men defeated Poland 3-1 in the Round of 16. England was next to be eliminated by France in a closely fought battle that ended 2-1. The French defeated Morocco in the semi-finals with a 2-0 scoreline courtesy of Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani.
France will need their attack to fire as its defense has not been the most reliable. Their clean sheet against Morocco was the first time they did not concede in this World Cup.
Argentina 🆚 France
The #FIFAWorldCup Final is SET! 🇦🇷🇫🇷
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022
Argentina has had its fair share of scares in the knockouts. The South Americans defeated Australia 2-1 in the RO16 and played out the most thrilling game of the World Cup against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Martinez was the hero as he saved two penalties to help his team win 2(4)-2(3). The semi-finals was a Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi show as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0.
Both teams have the most potent attacks on the international stage. However, we have to expect Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni to take a cautious approach.
Argentina and France have previously faced each other 12 times with the first being in the 1930 World Cup and the last in the 2018 World Cup. Argentina has the better head-to-head record. They have won six matches compared to France’s three. Three matches have ended in a draw.
In the latest encounter in Russia in 2018, Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 4-3 win for France.
France vs Argentina, Messi vs Mbappe, a closely contested battle might just end up in France’s favor.