Argentina vs France Prediction: A Competitive Final is Expected

The upcoming final fixture of the Qatar World Cup 2022 will feature Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail. Before I start predicting the possible outcomes, one thing is guaranteed the winner will be decided in the extra time. The all-important final will bring exciting action as France and Argentina will lock horns to claim the title. France will be confident as it will be their second consecutive final and can be the possible consecutive World Cup win. In the group stages contest, Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia, whereas France lost to Tunisia. Going in the final game, much will depend on how these individual teams react in the high-pressure game. This is just the second time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that a team has progressed to the final after losing its opening game.

After losing to Saudi Arabia, Messi and his men improved their overall gameplay and presented themselves as the most competent side in the tournament. In the game against Croatia, Messi and Julian Alvarez were simply unstoppable, giving Croatia a tough time in the middle. Though Argentina had just 39% possession, they ensured that Croatia didn’t have the momentum to win. Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel, the two Argentinians who received their second bookings of the tournament against the Netherlands and were forced to witness the semi-final from the suspension step, are once again at Scaloni’s disposal. Although Lisandro Martinez is once again limited to substitute minutes, much to the dismay of Manchester United supporters, Acuna can feel confident in taking Nicolas Tagliafico’s place in what will likely be a four-man backline. Montiel is fighting a losing battle to replace Nahuel Molina on the right. Hearts were in mouths when La Albiceleste announced that Alejandro Gomez, who is still recovering from an ankle strain and may only make the bench at best, was their sole injury doubt. With Messi leading the pack, Argentinian fans can be confident on their team’s performance. 

E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez

Going in the final, France is carrying a three-match unbeaten run, which also features the win over African nation Morocco (2-0). For the final, inclusion of Kingsley Coman and Ibrahima Konate might be dubious due to illness. France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, will be confident in preparing a settled lineup for the all-important final against Argentina. It is believed that Rabiot and Upamecano are feeling better and should apply for spots in the starting XI. In the midfield, the former may anticipate replacing Youssouf Fofana right away, but Deschamps has a bigger problem there. Theo Hernandez suffered a couple of knee hits against Morocco, but it is not anticipated that this would prevent him from playing the final, and Kylian Mbappe will renew his duel with fellow five-goal scorer Messi for the Golden Boot.

Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud 

For the upcoming final contest, there will be multiple individual battles in the spotlight. Messi will be up against his clubmate Mbappe, and Mac Allister will be looking to neutralize Griezmann. Considering the overall landscape of the two sides, France might be under the radar of illnesses and unexpected breakouts. However, one thing is sure France will be attacking fiercely with the available pool of players. Argentina will be the potential favorite to win and score two or more goals in the winning cause. 

• Argentina to Win for 2.80
• Both Teams to Score - Yes for 1.98
• Correct Score - Argentina to Win 2-1 for 11.00