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It had to end this way, didn’t it? The final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the ultimate passing of the torch from one generation to the next when Lionel Messi and Argentina lock horns with Kylian Mbappé and France at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar’s second-largest city.
In two similar yet contrasting stories, both footballing giants have reached a World Cup final with a backdrop that remains questioned, but the drama that has unfolded in Qatar has produced one of the most memorable World Cups in decades if not longer.
LIONEL MESSI VS. KYLIAN MBAPPE IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL 👀
Argentina vs. France is going to be fireworks 🍿 pic.twitter.com/n3lfbu1phF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022
Argentina began the tournament with a shock – just not one they would have anticipated – when they fell in a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia, which already produced one of the most memorable moments this winter. Since then, however, Messi has done what Messi does best and has lifted his comrades on his shoulders with Man of the Match performances in succession. Aided by hotshot Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez and strong performances from Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás Otamendi, and penalty shootout heroics perpetrated by Emiliano Martínez, Lionel Scaloni’s La Albiceleste have helped Messi earn one last chance at footballing immortality.
When it comes to France, Didier Deschamps vaunted Les Bleus – and reigning World Cup champions – arrived in Qatar amid rampant expectations on the back of being billed as one of the tournament favorites along with Brazil. France looked the part after two group stage matches but fell to Tunisia to close out the first round of play, but since then have hit their stride with wins against Poland, England, and Morocco while Deschamps’ troops have looked the part as a fantastic collection of talent while Mbappé has once again shone on the biggest stage in football in his second World Cup.
But how do these two nations up against each other? While it is easy to continue to talk up the importance of Messi and Mbappé, here are three key matchups (featuring neither) as Argentina and France prepare to put it all on the line on Sunday as both look for a third star on their iconic kits.
📰 Table Of Contents
Emiliano Martínez vs Hugo Lloris
Though the odds that these two credible shot-stoppers could be in the spotlight in a World Cup final should it come down to a shootout, the more important aspect of this matchup comes down to the notion that, though there is a wealth of experience between them, both Martínez and Lloris both are capable of mistakes in key moments during the run of play.
2021—Emi Martinez saves three penalties vs. Colombia to send Argentina to the Copa America final
2022—Emi Martinez saves two penalties vs. Netherlands to send Argentina to the World Cup semifinals
Clutch 🧱 pic.twitter.com/YfbyE7XyHe
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 9, 2022
Antoine Griezmann vs Enzo Fernández
There has been a lot of talk around some particular names in both camps in the run-up to the final as well as across their performances in Qatar this winter, but when it comes to Antoine Griezmann and Enzo Fernández, both have quietly been immensely important to both Deschamps and Scaloni to the point where it can be debated whether or not France and Argentina would be in the final without their influence.
No player has created more chances than Antoine Griezmann at the 2022 World Cup 👏
Magician ✨ pic.twitter.com/ToxmHt51ju
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022
Mbappé and Giroud have brought the goals this winter but Griezmann has been a master of command and control in the 10 role for Les Bleus while masterfully linking the front line with the central midfield. So efficient in possession and in his ability to pick a pass, Griezmann has arguably been France’s best player all tournament long. Much of the same can be said for Fernández regarding his influence, but just in a different manner. He has proven to be a goal threat from range and has also shown increased adeptness in distribution, but mainly, his ability to press and break up play in a holding role has given Argentina a chance to hit teams on the break consistently and reliably. How these two come out of the other end in a direct clash on the pitch is of vital importance for both nations,
Olivier Giroud vs Nicolás Otamendi & Cristian Romero
Becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer was likely never a career milestone that veteran center-forward Olivier Giroud would have ever thought to be possible. From unheralded beginnings at Istres and Tours, to shock Ligue 1 success with Montpellier and then on to underrated stardom with Arsenal, Giroud has remained a constant presence in the national team setup with good reason but likely would not be in this position without an untimely injury suffered by Karim Benzema.
🇫🇷 Lacks pace of wingers & Benzema
🇫🇷 Revelling as No 9, not a more modern inside forward
🇫🇷 One of the best off-the-ball creators at #FIFAWorldCup
🇫🇷 A striker for the collective@Ankaman616 on the international football unicorn, Olivier Giroud.https://t.co/tjmTjh8ib3— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 15, 2022
Still, Giroud’s influence is undeniable, not just in terms of the goal threat that he brings both in the air and on the ground, but his vaunted capabilities in hold-up play which allow for others to come into the picture during passages of play give the likes of Mbappé, Dembélé, Griezmann, and Coman a chance to effect change. His adversaries on the night will come down to a defensive partnership in Nicolás Otamendi and Cristiano Romero, with Otamendi, in particular, proving vital for Argentina all tournament long. Both players are strong in the air, solid in the tackle, and experienced at the highest levels in Europe, but with Giroud being the handful that he is – often needing multiple markers to nullify his presence – even if Giroud is not among the goals in the final, the way he occupies defenders can be a pathway to success for Deschamps.
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