‘Both of these players can change the game but finals have a way of bringing out new heroes for their countries’
The finals: Sunday December 18, 2022
By Gerald Lutchman
THE defending champions take on Lionel Messi and Argentina in a championship game. After 63 games, it comes down to this one.
Both of these teams suffered losses at the group stage. Argentina to Saudi Arabia and France to Tunisia.
This game marks the start of the end of an era. The Lionel Messi era. The young 18-year-old from 2006 is now the grandmaster at 35 years. He needs one bit of magic again to carry the cup to Argentina after 36 years. France are trying to become the first team since 1962 to win back to back tournaments and emulate Brazil.
Either way one team will earn a third star on their jersey.
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni has shown no fear in tinkering with his formation according to the opposition. He started the tournament in traditional style 4-4-2 but adjusted to 4-3-2-1 and 3-5-2 as the games and opponents changed. Scaloni has shown in his first World Cup as a coach that he has the tactical skills to defeat any opponent.
Dedier Deschamps is a seasoned manger and a true giant of the game. He is looking to win his second title as coach after winning as a captain in 1998. After 10 years as head coach he is one of the longest serving coaches at the tournament.
The last time they met in 2018 in the Round of 16, it was the game of the tournament with seven goals and eight cards. France prevailed 4 to 3 and went on to win the tournament. The nations have met on 12 occasions with Argentina having the better record of six wins, three losses and three draws.
This is more than a Messi vs Mbappe game, as the undercast are brilliant on both sides. Yes. Both of these players can change the game but finals have a way of bringing out new heroes for their countries.
So, while all eyes are on these two, watch out for Argentina’s young guns and France’s old guard. Kylian Mbappe is looking to emulate Pele as the only player to win consecutive world cups as a teenager and then a player in their early twenties.
France are more efficient than exciting and play to win – that is all that matters. They can switch gears and turn on the heat. They have been very lucky as well that the oppositions continue to not take their chances, examples, England and Morocco, this makes it even easier for them.
Argentina has been building into the tournament and they went through many nervous moments against Australia and Holland before completely outplaying Croatia. Messi has been on edge and more vocal and with a ‘take charge attitude’ that has brought results.
It is here – the finals – will the glory return to France or will it be laced to the boot of Argentina. Who will prevail, the king or the upstart.
Qatar 2022 World Cup Finals: The King vs The Upstart
‘Both of these players can change the game but finals have a way of bringing out new heroes for their countries’
The finals: Sunday December 18, 2022
By Gerald Lutchman
THE defending champions take on Lionel Messi and Argentina in a championship game. After 63 games, it comes down to this one.
Both of these teams suffered losses at the group stage. Argentina to Saudi Arabia and France to Tunisia.
This game marks the start of the end of an era. The Lionel Messi era. The young 18-year-old from 2006 is now the grandmaster at 35 years. He needs one bit of magic again to carry the cup to Argentina after 36 years. France are trying to become the first team since 1962 to win back to back tournaments and emulate Brazil.
Either way one team will earn a third star on their jersey.
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni has shown no fear in tinkering with his formation according to the opposition. He started the tournament in traditional style 4-4-2 but adjusted to 4-3-2-1 and 3-5-2 as the games and opponents changed. Scaloni has shown in his first World Cup as a coach that he has the tactical skills to defeat any opponent.
Dedier Deschamps is a seasoned manger and a true giant of the game. He is looking to win his second title as coach after winning as a captain in 1998. After 10 years as head coach he is one of the longest serving coaches at the tournament.
The last time they met in 2018 in the Round of 16, it was the game of the tournament with seven goals and eight cards. France prevailed 4 to 3 and went on to win the tournament. The nations have met on 12 occasions with Argentina having the better record of six wins, three losses and three draws.
This is more than a Messi vs Mbappe game, as the undercast are brilliant on both sides. Yes. Both of these players can change the game but finals have a way of bringing out new heroes for their countries.
So, while all eyes are on these two, watch out for Argentina’s young guns and France’s old guard. Kylian Mbappe is looking to emulate Pele as the only player to win consecutive world cups as a teenager and then a player in their early twenties.
France are more efficient than exciting and play to win – that is all that matters. They can switch gears and turn on the heat. They have been very lucky as well that the oppositions continue to not take their chances, examples, England and Morocco, this makes it even easier for them.
Argentina has been building into the tournament and they went through many nervous moments against Australia and Holland before completely outplaying Croatia. Messi has been on edge and more vocal and with a ‘take charge attitude’ that has brought results.
It is here – the finals – will the glory return to France or will it be laced to the boot of Argentina. Who will prevail, the king or the upstart.
We will find out today.