Argentina vs France: Key battles for FIFA World Cup 2022 Final

Can Lionel Messi finally get his hands on the trophy?

The stage is set for the Final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The tournament is at its end, and with this end one team will go down in history as the 22nd Champion of the World Cup. The two teams battling for the ultimate prize are South American giants, Argentina, and the defending champion France.

The European footballing powerhouse and defending champion France had a quite remarkable tournament. Throughout the tournament they were seen as dominating the opposition. They were drawn in a relatively easy group with teams like Denmark, Australia, and Tunisia. After thrashing Denmark and Australia, they had to face defeat in the hands of the African side Tunisia, but it had no effect on their qualification and advancement to the Round of 16.

They faced Poland in the next round and with a comfortable win, moved to the quarters. The were up against their neighbours England and after managing to defeat them they went to Semis to play against the underdogs of the tournament, Morocco. They defeated Morocco and marked their place in another consecutive Final.

The Argentine side started their tournament with a little bump. They were unexpectedly defeated by Saudi Arabia. But after that they picked up their pace, showed the world that why are they the favourites. They defeated Mexico and Poland in their group games and topped the group. They won against Australia in the Round of 16 and defeated Netherlands, in one of the most exciting matches of the Tournament so far, in the quarters. In the Semis they took their revenge of the 2018 World Cup by defeating Croatia. Lionel Messi is again in the final since his last one in 2014 where he lost to Germany. he will be looking to fulfil his dream in what will be his last World Cup match.

They met in the World Cup 2018 in Russia, prior to this. It was a Round of 16 match, which resulted in Argentina’s exit from the tournament. La Albiceleste will sure be looking for a revenge and what better occasion than a World Cup Final. The Match will take place on 18th December, Sunday in the Lusail Stadium at 8:30 p.m. IST.

Key Battles to look up for FIFA World Cup 2022 final:

Rodrigo De Paul vs Antoine Griezmann

De Paul has been fundamental in Argentina’s Midfield. He is the heart of the midfield along with his teammates. He, alongside Messi, has been causing havoc for the opposition defence. His handling of the midfield is enabling Messi to indulge himself more in attack. He is instrumental with his passing and winning the ball.

He is up against his Atletico Madrid teammate, Antoine Griezmann. The French international is having a great tournament. He is joint top assist provider of this tournament alongside Messi and others, so far. Griezmann has been guiding the French attacks with his beautiful passing and assisting. He is playing the role of a perfect playmaker as well as a perfect midfielder running the game. The two teammates will be up against each other in the final and it will be decided there only that who prevails over the other.

Nahuel Molina vs Kylian Mbappe

Nahuel Molina’s amazing performance has put him on the radars of some of the big clubs in Europe. He has been good in defence and also scored the opening goal against Netherlands in the Quarters. Molina has been supporting Argentina in the right back position. He will be tested to his limit in the finals when he’ll be up against the one and only Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe has been the biggest fear of teams facing France in this tournament. the question repeated to each team before their clash against France is how they are going to stop the Parisian superstar. He is agile and has great passing and shooting skills. Like in every match before this, the basic fear and question for the National Squad will be that how to stop Mbappe.

Lionel Messi vs Raphael Varane

The Argentine captain is in phenomenal form in this World Cup so far. He has been instrumental in leading his team to the final. He is the top scorer of his team in this World Cup and also the top scorer of the World Cup so far. Along with goals, Messi has also provided three assists in the tournament so far.

He is leading the team from the front. In the French the players up against Leo Messi is his former La Liga counterpart, Raphael Varane. Varane, with his speed and defensive abilities, is a lethal asset of the French national squad. Varane has impressed fans with his performances in the tournament so far. He is one of the major pillars of the French defence. It will be interesting to see two former opponents from Spain to lock horns against each other again in the World Cup Final.