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France and Argentina are preparing for the game of their lives as they set to do battle in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. The match is so close to call that many bookmakers can’t split either team, making it a far cry from the 2018 final when France were heavy favourites going into the game against Croatia.
Didier Deschamps’ side are looking to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. They will be going into the match full of confidence after a campaign that has seen them win every meaningful game in 90 minutes. The experience of having a squad full of World Cup winners may well be the difference come 5 pm on Sunday.
Argentina on the other hand have recovered from a rocky start to the competition to make it the showcase final. After losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening game, Lionel Messi has taken matters into his own hands to drag his nation to their second final in three World Cups. Although many believe France to have the better team, the Messi factor could tip the game in Argentina’s favour.
Team news
France
A virus is threatening to send the French camp into disarray. Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upemacono missed the semi-final win over Morocco with illness and despite efforts to contain the virus, it has reportedly spread through the camp to other players.
Ibrahima Konate, who came into the team for Upemacono, is rumoured to be struggling with the bug as is fellow central defender Raphael Varane. The Manchester United defender was initially a doubt for the tournament but has been imperious throughout. If he is too ill to play then that will leave a big hole to fill at the back, especially if Konate and Upemacono are still struggling.
In midfield, Kingsley Coman is rumoured to be a doubt with the same illness although his absence perhaps wouldn’t be felt as harshly. In positive news, though, Adrien Rabiot has recovered from the virus and is set to rejoin Aurélien Tchouaméni in the centre of the park.
Up top, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud will be tasked with finding a way past Emi Martinez in the Argentina goal. There have also been rumours that Karim Benzema was set to return to the squad for the final, although that now seems highly unlikely.
Argentina
Argentina’s preparation for the final has been a lot stressful. Lionel Scaloni has almost an entire squad to pick from, with Papu Gomez being the only injury doubt. The Sevilla midfielder has been struggling with ankle injury since the Australia game but should be fit enough to be an option of the bench.
Scaloni can also welcome back right-back Gonzalo Montiel and left-back Marcos Acuna to his squad after the pair missed the semi-final against Croatia due to suspension. While Montiel will likely have to settle for a place on the bench, Acuna is expected to immediately regain his place at left-back.
The only real dilemma that Scaloni faces relates to formation. He has played a back four and a back five at different times throughout the tournament although the expectation is that he’ll at least start with a four for the final.
Predicted lineups
France
Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upemacono, T. Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud
Argentina
Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
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