FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Argentina vs France – Who will take the Cup home?

Both Argentina and France have won the WC twice each. France is the defending champion having won the FIFA World Cup 2018

Football fans around the world are getting ready. Pubs, bars and restaurants across the globe have put up the big screens, specials menus, drinks are being named after Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe to go with the football spirit as the countdown begins for the biggest ever football event’s finale tomorrow – the final between Argentine and France.

But fans of France are a worried lot as at least 5 French players have fallen ill from a virus ahead of the historic World Cup final on Sunday. France duo Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate have become the latest players to fall ill. A sickness bug has swept through the French ranks over the last few days, with Dayot Upamecano, Kingsley Coman and Adrien Rabiot missing the semi-final victory over Morocco as a result of the illness spreading throughout the group.

But the spirits are still high and French President Emmanuel Macron is all set to reach Qatar to cheer for his team. Macron, a die-hard soccer fan himself, was in Qatar rooting for France in the semis when France was up against Morocco. France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the finals.

Argentina vs France: What is at Stake?
While Lionel Messi is hoping to grab his first ever World Cup trophy before he retires from international football, both Argentina and France would want to take the Cup home for a fourth time. France of course are the hot favourites having won the last FIFA World Cup in 2018. Cannot not mention 23 year old Kylian Mbappe (France) who would be eyeing to become the youngest player to win the tournament back-to-back since Pele (at the age of 21 for Brazil).

According to the Soccer Power Index (SPI), Argentina has a slight edge over France, with 53% winning predictability as compared to 47% of the La Albiceleste.

How many times did Argentina and France clash in International football?
Argentina and France have met each other 12 times in international matches. Argentina holds the advantage here, winning six of those matches while France has won thrice. Three games ended in draws.
How many time did Argentina-France faced each other in FIFA World Cup?

As far as the two football crazy nations’ FIFA World Cup encounters are concerned, Argentina faced France for the first time in 1930 where Argentina beat France 1-0. In the second encounter in 1978 again Argentina won 2-1. But in 2018 FIFA World Cup match, France beat Argentina 4-3.

This is the fourth time the two nations will be facing each other in a FIFA Wold Cup match and first time in FIFA Wold Cup final.

Brazil leads the tally of winning most World Cups with 5 wins, Germany and Italy have won the FIFA World Cup 4 times each.
Argentina’s World Cup 2022 journey
Well, Argentina’s start at the World Cup was not a convincing one as they went down to Saudi Arabia in their opening encounter 2-1. However, Lionel Scaloni’s boys made a strong comeback with 2-0 victories each against Mexico and Poland. It was indeed a prized moment for Argentina as their chances of advancing to the Round of 16 increased after Fernandez led his side to victory with 2 goals against Mexico.

Next up was Poland, who seemed to have challenged Argentina’s campaign in the group decider on November 30. However, Argentina dominated the game with second half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez. Argentina trounced Poland 2-0.

After Poland, Australia’s campaign ended as Argentina accomplished the task with the help of Messi Magic beating the Aussies 2-1. This booked a last-eight meeting with Netherlands on December 10. Argentina and Lionel Messi kept their World Cup dream alive on a nervy night as they defeated Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to reach the semi-finals on Saturday. It was a dramatic win and a match with tempers flying.

Finally, in the semis Argentina crushed Croatia 3-0. Messi scored the opener from the penalty spot, then Julian Alvarez scored a superb second and Messi then mesmerized us all to set up Alvarez to seal his double and Argentina’s spot in the final.

France’s run to 2022 FIFA World Cup Final
The Les Bleus have reached the World Cup Final for the 4th time in the last 7 editions of the Football World Cup history. Earlier, the French had reached the finals in 1998, 2006, 2018 and emerged Champions in 1998 and 2018.

Everything did not go well with the Didier Deschamp’s side as 2 crucial midfielders Paul Pogba and N’ Golo Kante were ruled out of the event due to injuries. That was not all. Striker Karim Benzema was also ruled out due to a thigh injury during training on the eve of the World Cup. To make matters worse, miseries escalated for France as one of their most dependable Defenders, Presnel Kimpembe too didn’t find place in the squad for injury.

With these key players out of the team, France was hoping against hope and moved ahead with their campaign.

However, France began it’s tour on a winning note with a 4-1 win over Australia. Although, the Socceroos stunned the defending Champions by opening the account in the 9th minute, Adrian Rabiot equalised for the Les Bleus in the 27th minute. And since then, France did not have to look back as Olivier Giroud scored twice in 32 and 71 minutes. Kylian Mbappe too scored for the France in the 68th minute.

After Australia, Denmark suffered a 2-1 loss in the hands of Didier Deschamp’s camp. Andreas Christensen had put Denmark ahead with his goal in the first half, but iconic performance by Kylian Mbappe sealed victory for France, as he equalized in just after the hour-mark and scored the decisive one in the 86th minute.

But in the next game, France suffered a shocking defeat against Tunisia. A goal of individual brilliance by Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri close to the hour-mark of the match confirmed victory for the side.
After this, France cruised to the quarter final with a 3-1 victory over Poland, thanks to a Bang On Target header by Olivier Giroud followed by 2 beautiful goals by Kylian Mbappe.

A beaming Olivier Giroud header, followed by two wonderful goals from Kylian Mbappe saw Les Bleus breeze past Poland in the round of 16, with a 3-1 victory at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.

France continued their winning streak after they beat England 2-1 in the quarter final. On Wednesday, France ended Morocco’s dream run in the tournament by beating them 2-0. Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani did it for France to set up a heavyweight title clash with Argentina on December 18.

Amid all the football frenzy, both the teams will be sweating it out in the hot and humid climate of Qatar on Sunday to realise their dream of World Domination in Football. May the best team win.

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