By Spy Uganda
France can create history as just the third team in World Cup history to defend their title when they face Argentina on Sunday in Qatar.
After Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962), Didier Deschamps’ side will look for a repeat of 2018 after holding off a spirited Morocco in the semi-finals, while the Albiceleste powered past Croatia.
If Messi is the key to the game and the man Les Bleus must stop, Antoine Griezmann is conscious of the work that needs to be done between now and kick-off.
“Any team with Messi in is a totally different proposition.” Griezmann said. “We have seen practically all of their matches at this World Cup. We have seen Argentina play, we know how they play. They are a difficult team to play and they seem to be on top form.
“Of course, not only Messi, they have a strong side around him so we know it is going to be a tough game and they will have a lot of support in the crowd. We will get back to work tomorrow, focused on it, how we can hurt them, how we can defend against them. We will be well prepared.” Here’s all you need to know ahead of this monumental final match:
Confirmed Line-ups
Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
France XI: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni, Griezmann; Dembele, Mbappe, Giroud
Odds
Match odds (90 minutes)
Argentina – 7/4
Draw – 21/10
France – 17/10
To win trophy
Argentina – 10/11
France – 4/5
Via Betfair
Prediction
This game has just about everything with immense quality all over the pitch and it could come down to a moment of pure genius from any of the world class talents available to Deschamps and Scaloni.
For that reason we’ll side with Messi, a man possessed and surely determined to not let this rare second chance pass him by. He may have to wait until extra-time for his moment, but we’re picking Messi to drag his side to victory once again. Argentina 2-1 France AET.
