This is the ideal story for Argentina and Lionel Messi! The competition started very badly for the Argentinians, with a defeat against Saudi Arabia, but Scaloni’s lads soon woke up and finished top of their group. They then dominated the Australians in the round of 16, but got a fright against the Netherlands; they gained a 2-0 lead before letting the Netherlands catch up to 2-2, but they kept their cool and won the penalty shootout. The semi-final against Croatia was a walk in the park, ending 3-0.
France’s World Cup has been practically perfect; after finishing top of Group D, Didier Deschamps’ team beat Poland without difficulty on a score of 3-1 with a goal by Olivier Giroud and two by Kylian Mbappé. The quarter-final was complicated; against England, the Blues had to give it their all, and got ahead thanks to a magnificent strike by Aurelien Tchouameni as well as a header by Olivier Giroud to qualify on a score of 2-1. The semi-final was more difficult than expected but the Blues also got their first clean sheet in the Match against Morocco, taking home a 2-0 win.
Argentina – France: Will the French be able to finish the job?
Once again this year the French seem untouchable; Didier Deschamps has reproduced the 2018 formula with a very solid defense and clinical attackers, all carried by an Antoine Griezmann who is in form! France’s success is a result of Kylian Mbappé et Olivier Giroud’s success on goal. The PSG player hasn’t scored for 2 matches, but he could rise to the occasion in the final. However, the French defense will need to be careful of the Argentinian attack and Lionel Messi, who seems to be on a mission.
Face to Face: Argentina vs France
This will be the third encounter between Argentina and France in a World Cup setting; the first took place in 1930, and Argentina won 1-0. We then had to wait until 1978 for the next face-off between the two, and once again the Argentinians won 2-1. Every football fan remembers the last encounter between the two teams; in 2018, France won by a score of 4-3 with a magnificent goal by Benjamin Pavard!
In this final, the Blues have a 36% chance to win, the Argentinians have a 31% chance to win and there is a 31% chance that the match will go right up to extra time.
Argentina – France: The starting 11 on each side?
Lionel Scaloni seems to want to put out a 4-3-3 formation or a variant of the 4-3-1-2 setup with four in defense and a midfield made up of Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul. Julian Alvarez has demonstrated his prowess in the midfield in this World Cup. He should keep his place at Lionel Messi’s side in attack; Nahuel Molina will likely be starting on the wing following his beautiful performances!
On the French side, there shouldn’t be any surprises. Hugo Lloris will be in goal. The defensive lineup will be made up of Théo Hernandez, Varane and Koundé and Upamecano who will likely be back in the team. In the midfield, we will find Aurelien Tchouameni, Antoine Griezmann and Adrien Rabiot who will have recovered from his chill. Finally, in attack, there will be Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé.
The keys to the match: Which team will be more efficient?
The determining aspect of this match will be the efficiency of the two teams; Argentina and France meet once again in this World Cup, with two teams that defend very well before attacking. The Argentinians will be looking to get the ball to Lionel Messi in the hopes that he can work his magic. On the French side, the danger could come from a number of players, Olivier Giroud in the centre, Antoine Griezmann with a beautiful strike or even Kylian Mbappé from deep in opposition territory.
Other predictions worth a shot in this Argentina – France match at 4 pm
Finally, we see France taking this match and winning the World Cup. However, the Argentinians will be putting up a strong resistance. Thus, we see a 2-1 victory for France, but Lionel Messi will likely find the back of the net in this encounter.
