So after nearly a month of amazing, intriguing, fascinating, controversial at times football here at Qatar, we are down to the last two.
The World Cup final is between Argentina, who knocked out Croatia in the first Semi-final and France, who overcame Morocco in the second semi-final.
For me, it’s the Argentinians who come into the game as favourites they looked stronger, and it was their best performance against Croatia. France, they struggled against England in the second half. The English will be disappointed that they didn’t capitalise on their possession and chances created.
Obviously, Morocco in that second semi-final has been truly amazing throughout this competition. They had the line share of possession in the game against France and did create chances but could apply the finishing touch.
That is what France is, they are very clinical, and they have been throughout the competition; give them one opportunity, and they will take it as the English will tell you.
The key battles are obviously Lionel Messi against Kylian Mbappe, both share the top of the goalscoring charts, and both are going for the Golden boot.
With regard to goals, both teams are equal. Argentina on 13 goals against France’s 12 and clean sheets Argentina have had three, and France has one, which came in the game against Morocco.
So it does edge towards Argentina, but it’s a World Cup final, and absolutely everything can happen. Key battles aside from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, it’s about midfield, and I think the French have been overrun in that midfield in a couple of games.
Tchouameni has shown his inexperience, and Rabiot is starting to look a bit tired against the hard-working midfield trio of McAllister, Paredes and Enzo Fernandez. That is, for me, where the battle is gonna be won. Argentina, for me, has a bit more resilience they know how to manage the game better than the French.
So for me, in 90 minutes, Argentina will run out 2-1 winners. If it does go to extra time and penalties, I would give Argentina the edge as they already had a penalty shootout
Jason McAteer World Cup Final picks:
Argentina to win the game in 90 minutes with a correct score of 2-1 at 9/1 (10.00) with Julian Alvarez scoring the first goal at 22/5 (5.40)
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing