Argentina will play France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on December 18 in an effort to win back the most coveted international trophy for their nation.
After a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semi-final, La Albiceleste is heading into the final match of the Qatar World Cup. France, on the other hand, advanced to the final for the second time in a row with a 2-0 victory over Morocco, the giant killers.
Lionel Scaloni has picked the right teams so far in Qatar, and it is unlikely that he will make a mistake in the final by changing too much. Scaloni may select the following lineup for Sunday’s exciting matchup at the Lusail Iconic Stadium:
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
It makes perfect sense to select Emiliano Martinez to play against France. So far, the Aston Villa goalkeeper has performed flawlessly, winning match after match.
He was at his certain best against Croatia, making three recoveries, recuperating the ball multiple times, and making three high cases.
Martinez will be ecstatic to deliver yet another extraordinary performance against France, the world champions.
Right-back: Nahuel Molina
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Nahuel Molina achieved the ideal balance between offense and defense. He enjoys playing in the overlap and moving the ball forward, but he never does so at the expense of maintaining defensive integrity.
Molina attempted three tackles, made three clearances, and hit two precise long balls against Croatia. If he wants to stop Kylian Mbappe on Sunday, he might have to give up his tendency to be offensive.
Center-back: Cristian Romero
Since his disappointing FIFA World Cup debut against Saudi Arabia, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been Argentina’s rock at the back. He made five clearances, recovered the ball seven times, made two crucial blocks, and won a tackle in the semi-finals.
La Albiceleste’s third World Cup victory will greatly benefit from another performance of this level of composure.
Center-back: Nicolas Otamendi
In the semi-final matchup with Croatia, 34-year-old Nicolas Otamendi performed admirably. He finished 37 passes (95% exactness), performed three headed clearances, recorded five recuperations, and made a block attempt.
It’s possible that his battle with Olivier Giroud will last a lifetime.
Left-back: Marcos Acuna
Due to an accumulation of cards, Marcos Acuna was suspended for the match against Croatia. Nicolas Tagliafico took his place, but he lacked Acuna’s tenacity and drive.
Scaloni is likely to select Acuna, who is more daring, for the crucial final, leaving Tagliafico on the bench.
Right-midfield: Rodrigo De Paul
Against Croatia, Rodrigo De Paul played on the right side of Argentina’s four-man midfield. In an unfamiliar position, the Atletico Madrid player performed admirably, creating a chance, delivering two precise long balls, and recording two recoveries.
Once more on account of Mbappe, De Paul could be entrusted with the obligation of monitoring the right side this Sunday.
Midfielder central: Leandro Paredes
A star player for Juventus was one of the most reliable midfielders for Argentina against the Croats. With his precise passes, he kept Croatian players from getting the ball, and he made important defensive moves to stop the attackers.
Paredes completed 36 of 39 passes, won five battles, made two interceptions, and had six recoveries. This weekend, Scaloni will need him to bring the same fervor against France.
Midfielder central: Enzo Fernandez
Benfica’s 21-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez has established himself as an indispensable member of Scaloni’s starting XI, and with good reason. He controls the game with his clean passes, joins up well with his colleagues, and has a propensity for having a go at the objective.
In order to break down a determined French rearguard, Fernandez’s ability to play in between the lines could be crucial.
Left-midfield: Alexis Mac Allister
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion, has proven to be quite the force. He has repeatedly appeared in dangerous areas, either in an effort to challenge the keeper or to pass a teammate through on goal.
Mac Allister had two chances, two shots, and two passes into the final third against Croatia. This weekend, France would be wise to keep an eye on him.
Right-forward: Lionel Messi
The current GOAT, Lionel Messi, will try to win the World Cup at the Lusail Iconic Stadium and become the undisputed GOAT. Although facing the defending champions won’t be easy, Messi unquestionably possesses the ability to break French hearts.
In the semis, Messi was at his best against Croatia. In the 34th minute, he scored a stunning penalty and brilliantly assisted Julian Alvarez in scoring the goal. The team’s top scorer with five goals and top assister with three is expected to have a similar impact against France.
Left-forward: Julian Alvarez
At the Qatar World Cup, Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez performed beyond expectations. The forward, who is 22 years old and plays for Inter Milan, has taken Lautaro Martinez’s spot in the team. He has scored four goals, making him Argentina’s second-highest scorer in the competition.
In the semi-finals, Alvarez put on his best performance ever against Luka Modric and co. After earning a penalty for his team in the 32nd minute, he scored two goals to secure a 3-0 victory in the 39th and 69th minutes, respectively. One more execution of such extent could end up being devastating for double-cross title holders France.