PREVIEW: World Cup – Final – Argentina v France

Lionel Messi’s fairy tale is on its way to a happy ending as “The GOAT” seeks to complete the beautiful game with a final stroke of magic. The footballing world overwhelmingly edges in the camp of Argentina, so who can be against them?

Argentina kicked off this campaign with a slight hint of complacency. The loss to Saudi Arabia lit a fire under La Albiceleste, and the chants of “Where is your GOAT?” was taken personally by the Argentine No.10. A new team showed up to take on Mexico, and the brilliance of their star man was there, bare, for all to witness.

With no hesitation, the Polish were put in their place, and Australia was none the wiser. A footballing spectacle, one for the history books took place in the Quarterfinals, one of grit, passion, and revenge, and Argentina was fabulously triumphant from the spot. In stark contrast, the South Americans switched gears and made football look easy in a breeze past a side that prides itself on resolute defense.

Argentina has not suffered major injury blows throughout the tournament. But the world saw something from Messi that has everyone holding their breath. The 35-year-old was seen holding the back of his leg during his country’s semi-final win over Croatia but was quick to stress he felt “really good” after the game.

There is hope that Angel Di Maria will be fit for the final showdown after his problems, while both Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will be available following suspensions.

Argentina predicted line-up: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez; Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.

Defending champions France have a moment – one that has been completed by only the greatest nation (Brazil) in the World Cup – a moment to grasp with two hands, to claim two world titles in the minimum of four years. In addition, Les Bleus have a Kylian Mbappe, who has set his sights on taking up the mantle of greatest ever and securing his second World Cup honour at the age of 23.

Didier Deschamps took massive injury blows hampering the hype surrounding another charge at being crowned the best. However, Deschamps has truly shown his ability at leading this star-studded nation in transitioning from a front-footed side to playing a lot more compact and disciplined.

Topping the group at the final whistle of the second group fixture allowed France to rest key players against Tunisia, and head into their clash with Lewandowski’s Poland fresh to conquer. The French side’s toughest test came in the form of England and a little stroke of luck allowed a semi-final matchup with Morocco.

If you had told me that their clash with Africa’s last hope would see Les Bleus take the lead five minutes in, I’d have been more excited about the matchup which saw France grin and bear through to the final fixture.

While many are looking at Kylian Mbappe, what makes France tick is Antoine Griezmann playing as a No.8 while retaining elements of a No.10. For the defending champions France, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano sat out the win over Morocco due to illness but are both expected back in time for Sunday, and more intriguingly there have also been suggestions that Karim Benzema could make a sensational return to the French squad.

France predicted line-up: Lloris (GK); Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.