The stage is set and the world is watching. Two sides that have shown quality and a way to win throughout their games during this 2022 Qatar World Cup. South America vs Europe.Argentina who kicked off this tournament with one of the biggest surprise defeats. Losing to Saudi Arabia 2-1. Many people began to write off Argentina after coming into the tournament as second favourites. Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength, scoring 2 or more goals in every game leading up to the final. A total of 12 goals in their 6 games has made the Argentina fans dream of the possibilities. Star man Lionel Messi has shown the world why he is the greatest of all time, after contributing to 8 goals (5G, 3A) during this tournament.For the individual awards, its winner takes all too, with Lionel Messi going toe to toe with club teammate Kylian Mbappe who is behind the Argentinian on assists only (5G, 2A). France have almost mirrored the results of Argentina. After progressing through the group stage after their first 2 games (2W) they fielded a much weaker side that saw them lose 1-0 to Tunisia. But, in every other game France have competed in this tournament has seen them find the net at least twice. Scoring 13 in their 6 games.A worrying sign for France coming into the final is injuries and illnesses that seem to have hit the squad this week, giving manager Deschamps an unwanted headache when looking to choose his starting eleven for the final. France’s semi final victory over Morocco (2-0) was their first clean sheet of the tournament. A slightly worrying stat when facing Messi and Alvarez – where at least one of the two strikers have scored in every game during this tournament.Argentina made hard work of their quarter final tie with the Netherlands after letting a 2-0 lead slip within the final 10 minutes of the game. But after winning on penalties, they faced an ageing Croatia side, which they dispatched without breaking a sweat, with a 3-0 victory. Showing their class throughout.Argentina’s surprise loss to Saudi Arabia was their only defeat in 42 games!! Dating back to July 2019 for their last defeat prior to the World Cup. As for France, many people had written off France before they had kicked a ball in Qatar, after a somewhat shocking UEFA Nations League campaign that saw them pick up 1 win in 6 games. Making back to back World Cup successes look very unlikely.The last time these two faced each other was during the last World Cup in 2018 and it was one hell of a spectacle! France of course were victorious on their run to lifting the trophy, winning 4-3 in that quarter final game. A game that saw the lead change on 3 occasions throughout the 90 minutes and 8 players booked! More of the same today please!!This final is so close to call, with the bookies even struggling to show a clear winner. I believe it’s written in the stars for Lionel Messi to bow out of his international career lifting the World Cup for his country. But with the speed and sharpness of France’s attacking talent, they could quite easily unlock Argentina’s defence on many occasions. I just hope we are in for an absolute treat of game and cap off what has been a very enjoyable tournament.Bet Prediction: Argentina Win
