Prediction: Argentina vs France

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 20/21

Bookmaker:

With all eyes on the Lusail stadium on Sunday afternoon, Argentina and France will find themselves with this winter's World Cup crown up for grabs.

Argentina

Starting with Argentina, although the South American icons may have started their World Cup adventure last month with a stunning 2-1 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia, Lionel's men Scaloni proved that it was nothing more than a minor hiccup. After clinching their sixth place finish in the World Cup final after edging their way to a 3-0 tie against Croatia earlier in the week, the mood in their camp appears to be at an all-time high. Having suffered just one defeat in one of their last 41 consecutive appearances in all competitions - a streak dating back to July 2019 - the Albiceleste are just 90 minutes away from real history at the Middle East. Looking to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third time this weekend, Scaloni will call on his attacking icon to lead his charge. Stealing all the headlines once again against Croatia on Tuesday, Lionel Messi continued on a remarkable World Cup wave. In fact, the Argentine record holder scored five goals in Qatar this winter.

Team News

Both absent from the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia earlier in the week, Argentina will find Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel on Sunday afternoon. However, the South American giants are sweating Sevilla's Papu Gomez fitness this weekend.

With a World Cup double against the Blazers on Tuesday and racking up four goals in Qatar this weekend, Manchester City's Julian Alvarez is set to join Messi in attack once again.

France

As for France, while the Blues may have had a rather public nightmarish slump ahead of this winter's tournament, the European heavyweights only continued to shine in Qatar. After finally overtaking the very impressive Morocco earlier in the week with a 2-0 win, Didier Deschamps' men are set to make World Cup history on Sunday afternoon. As Deschamps seeks to become the second manager to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy twice, the defending champions have already won some notable scalps in the Middle East. After beating European rivals England on December 10 as they cruised to a 2-1 victory at Al Khor, France also have their own attacking talisman who are enjoying a stellar run in the World Cup. With Kylian Mbappe sitting level with Messi on five strikes this winter, they should also be boosted by their last encounter against the Albiceleste. It should be noted that when the two nations met in Russia four years ago, the Blues secured a thrilling 4-3 victory in the Round of 16.

Team News

Missing Les Bleus' 2-0 win over Morocco earlier in the week due to illness, France will be hoping 27-year-old Adrien Rabiot can return to the Lusail stadium. The Juventus ace could replace Youssouf Fofana in the heart of Deschamps' midfield.

To match Messi's five World Cup goals this winter, PSG icon Kylian Mbappe will once again spearhead France's charge on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate hopes to link up with Raphael Varane at the back.

Key Factors to Consider When the two nations last met in Russia four years ago, France claimed a resounding 4-3 victory in the round of 16. Argentina's 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on November 22 is their only defeat in their previous 41 consecutive appearances in all formats. Likewise, the reigning world champions have won five of their six World Cup appearances this winter. However, France's 2-0 win over Morocco in midweek was just the second clean sheet the Blues have recorded in their last 12 outings. Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have recorded five World Cup goals in Qatar this year.

Conclusion

While neutrals around the world are desperate for Messi to get their hands on a first world crown on Sunday, Argentina will face a real test here. As France desperately seek to make history in the Middle East and defend their title in Qatar, we could witness a veritable fireworks display at Lusail Stadium. In a clash highlighted by a pair of attacking icons, L'Albiceleste and Les Bleus certainly grabbed the headlines four years ago. Watching France pull off a remarkable 4-3 win in their Round of 16 battle, we could see chances at both ends of the field here. Two heavyweights who have shown defensive issues over the past month, we back what could be another famous deal this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 20/21

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