The white and light blue came painfully close to winning the crown back in 2014 as they reached the finals as one of the favourites.
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The Lusail Stadium will play host to the mouthwatering World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and the reigning champions France on Sunday afternoon as the main event of the programme. Les Bleus, who secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 victory over African trailblazers Morocco in the semi-finals, will take the field on the Lusail turf as the first champions in 24 years. With a 3-0 victory over Croatia in the final four, Lionel Scaloni’s team prevented them from reaching the championship game twice in a row. As a result, the attention of the pre-match build-up has naturally been on one player.
For Argentina, it will be the last shot to help he great Lionel Messi add that elusive FIFA World Cup trophy to his cabinet. The little magician has already announce that it will be his last match for Argentina, win or lose. The white and light blue came painfully close to winning the crown back in 2014 as they reached the finals as one of the favourites to win the title. However, an extra time Mario Gotze goal saw Germany lift the trophy instead. This time, Argentina are better prepared and perhaps have a better squad than back then. Here is a look at three players who could make a difference in the final.
There was never any doubt. Ever since their shock opening day loss against Saudi Arabia, Argentina has been a force to be reckoned with and a lot of the credit goes to their captain and talisman Lionel Messi. LM10 has been one of the best players at the tournament and is a favourite to win the golden ball. He is also tied with Kylian Mbappe for most goals scored at the tournament. There is no question that Messi wil be one of the most impactful players in the final against France and if the little magician finds his rhythm, Les Bleus could be in for a world of trouble.
Argentina’s shot stopper Emiliano Martinez has been an absolute beast between the sticks at this year’s tournament. Martinez, who used to be Arsenal’s reserve goalkeeper at one point, has solidified his position as his country’s number 1 ever since his title winning performance at the Copa America. The 30-year-old, who seems to be in the prime of his life, will aim to add another title to his name. The reason why Martinez can be one of the difference makers is that apart from being a world class goalie, he is a penalty specialist. If the deadlock remains between the two sides and it goes to the shootout, Martinez will be absolutely crucial.
Despite being a relative unknown when the tournament began, Julian Alvarez has proven himself to be one of the brightest prospects in world football. After the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, Alvarez was not played until against Poland. The young striker scored a stunning goal in the match and has only moved on ahead ever since. Alvarez scored against The Netherlands and twice against Saudi Arabia. He is just one goal behind the leaders for the golden boot and will certainly give it his all in the final against France.
