On Sunday, football fans will be given the dream World Cup Final they have been craving when Argentina and France lock horns at the Lusail Stadium. Of course, there will have been some that would have been hoping that Brazil had reached the showpiece final instead. Nevertheless, the blue-riband event will see Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe duke it out for international football’s biggest prize.
While this will be billed as the Mbappe v Messi Final, there are a few other intriguing stats that we would like to share with you ahead of kick-off:
- Didier Deschamps is just the fourth coach to lead his country to back-to-back World Cup Finals. He would be only the second after Vittorio Pozzo to win it twice. Deschamps also lifted the World Cup on home soil as France’s captain in 1998.
- Messi has registered an assist in each of Argentina’s last three World Cup matches at Lusail.
- The Over 2.5 goals market has hit for Argentina in their past four World Cup knockout matches.
- France and Argentina will be meeting for the fourth time in the World Cup, and four years ago, France clinched victory in the Round of 16 tie.
France may have been hit by a slew of injuries before the tournament started, while Argentina have a relatively clean bill of health, and they will be keeping a close eye on Angel Di Maria. This will be a mouth-watering final and one that will sustain your interest for 90 minutes. So much so that all the most reputable US online betting sites will be brimming with markets for you to explore.
And we have provided a few tips that you should consider adding to your slip.
France to cement place in history
While some may argue that France hasn’t always been at their dazzling best this World Cup, they can turn on the style whenever they want. Conversely, Argentina have grown in confidence as the tournament has worn on and Messi would love to sign off in style by winning the trophy that has eluded him his entire career. Indeed, should Argentina win the World Cup, then Messi would become the fourth oldest player to get his hands on the Jules Rimet trophy. With the style of both teams, it could well be very open and frantic at times, but this could well be one that France prevails in.
The regular moneyline doesn’t necessarily provide so much value, but instead, you might be influenced by France to win and both teams to score market, which is available at an inviting looking +475 with BetMGM.
Kylian Mbappe to get France off to fast start
Despite not getting on the scoresheet against Morocco, Mbappe has had a fine World Cup campaign to date. Leading the Golden Boot race with five goals to his name alongside Messi, Mbappe would love to claim a second World Cup title. He is a nightmare for defenders to face as he is strong with both feet and he can break the lines with his blistering pace.
When at full throttle, Mbappe is a joy to watch and a victory would further underline his claim to being at present the world’s best player, even though the Messi v Ronaldo debate remains fierce. Anyway, Mbappe could well settle into his stride quickly and he will have his say during the game. The goalscorer markets are always worth dissecting, and Mbappe is trading at an enticing +400 with BetMGM to make the breakthrough for Les Bleus.
All things level after the hour mark
There won’t be much between the two teams during the Final, and as always, it could be a mistake or a moment of magic that will separate them. While we have suggested France could get off to a fast start, they could well be pegged back during the game. So, for our third tip, you may wish to look at the flash markets. If you are so inclined, then you can find odds of +125 with BetMGM for the game to be level after 60 minutes.
