Argentina have a score to settle with France in today’s intriguing Fifa 2022 World Cup final at Lusail Stadium at 5 pm.
Four years ago, on June 30, 2018, Argentina was sent packing after their World Cup round of 16 defeat to…you guessed it right, France.
The defeat was difficult to swallow for Lionel Messi and company because they had fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 early in the second half, only for France to stage their own fightback to a 4-3 win.
Since then, Argentina have gotten rid of deadwood. From the starting line-up that faced France four years ago, only Messi, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nicolas Tagliafico remain.
France, meanwhile, have reached the final despite missing the likes of Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembé, N’Golo Kanté, and Paul Pogba, through injury.
Now the two nations will renew rivalries, with all of the world watching.
France can emulate Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) by winning back-to-back World Cups, but Argentina is more than capable of putting South America back on the tournament’s map and affording Messi, 35, the greatest of send-offs.
The go-to man for France is Kylian Mbappe, who has five goals. For Argentina, Messi is also on five goals, and whoever rises to the occasion could be the top scorer and player of the tournament and take the trophy back home with R729 million.
WHO’LL BE KEY FOR FRANCE?
Mbappe can score at any given time, but he will need more support from his teammates as he’s ineffective when isolated. Antoine Griezmann was the man of the match in the 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco.
WHO’LL BE KEY FOR ARGENTINA?
The little magician, Lionel Messi, has more goal contributions than any other player in the tournament (5 goals and 3 assists). If it goes to penalties, all eyes will be on Emiliano Martinez after his heroics against the Netherlands.
France’s road to the final
France 4-1 Australia
France 2-1 Denmark
France 0-1 Tunisia
France 3-1 Poland (round of 16)
France 2-1 England (quarterfinals)
France 2-0 Morocco (semifinals)
Argentina’s road to the final
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Argentina 2-0 Poland
Argentina 2-1 Australia (round of 16)
Argentina 2-2 Netherlands (won 4-3 on penalties – quarterfinals)
Argentina 3-0 Croatia (semifinals)
By Tiyani wa ka Mabasa
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