Argentina vs. France - Betting tips, predictions, and odds
With 62 matches played and nearly a month of great football action, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has slowly come to an end. The grand finale will see two old rivals go against each other in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup in Russia clash when France took down Argentina on a 4-3 final score.
On Sunday, December 18th, Argentina and France will be battling again, but this time for the title of the FIFA World Cup when they step on the pitch of the magnificent Lusail Iconic Stadium. Take a look at the best Argentina vs. France betting tips and predictions.
H2H, form, and stats
Argentina and France have met on 12 occasions so far, out of which 3 games were played at the World Cup events, 8 friendly matchups and one game at the Brazilian Independence Cup. The first two meetings at the World Cups in 1930 and 1978 saw Argentina coming out victorious. France was better in the most recent clash at the World Cup, four years ago in Russia when Les Bleus won 4-3 in the Round of 16. It was one of the most exciting games at that World Cup in which Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in the space of just four minutes in the second half.
Argentina did suffer a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match in Qatar, but managed to regroup and beat all the opponents to reach the grand final, scoring more than 2 goals in every one of the 5 games played since. Lionel Scaloni’s team managed to top its group despite the opening loss and then edged Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16, the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals, and Croatia in the semis.
It seems that this 3-0 victory over Croatia was Argentina’s best performance at the World Cup and easiest win. This team has only one loss in more than two years and it was that shocker against the Green Falcons.
France also topped its group with six points after defeating Australia and Denmark in the first two games. They relaxed a bit in Round 3 and lost 1-0 to Tunisia, but it was the game Les Bleus could afford to lose.
Didier Deschamps’ side had an easy job in the Round of 16 in a 3-1 win against Poland and passed their biggest test against England with a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals. France’s experience and quality helped them to prevail in the semis against high-flying Morocco. Although it was a pretty levelled tilt, France won 2-0 and now has a chance to defend the World Cup title.
Injuries and squad news
Lionel Scaloni cannot count on Papu Gomez, who is dealing with an ankle injury, but he is not a key part of the lineup and will not be missed. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, who combined for nine goals in this tournament, will lead the line, while the rest of the starting XI that faced Croatia should remain unchanged. Marcos Acuna is a candidate to replace Nicolas Tagliafico at the left-back. It’s the last opportunity for Messi to lift a World Cup trophy as he already announced his retirement from the national side after this match.
Didier Deschamps will be without Lucas Hernandez (knee) and Karim Benzema (muscle), but some new concerns arose for France’s head coach as two players are ill and questionable to face Argentina on Sunday. Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman are hoping to get healthy in time and feature in the biggest game in football. Just like Argentina’s attacking tandem of Messi and Alvarez, France has Mbappe and Giroud, who also combined for nine goals. All four players have a chance to win the Golden Boot in the end.
Betting predictions and odds
The bookies are pretty undecided when it comes to favorites in this big match. Both France and Argentina are currently at 2.80 odds to win, while a draw is 3.00. When it comes to goals, Over 2.5 goals is 2.45, while Under 2.5 goals is 1.55.
Our best tip for Argentina vs. France game
Both teams are aiming for their third World Cup title and France will have the chance to retain the WC title for the first time since Brasil managed to do so 60 years ago. Will Messi be able to cast a spell for one last time on the great football stage or will his PSG teammate Mbappe prove his talent and win the Golden Boot Award?
It’s going to be a spectacle in the final, but don’t expect six goals like four years ago in the final game of the World Cup in Russia when France defeated Croatia 4-2. Also, don’t expect to see another seven-goal thriller we witnessed in the last H2H between France and Argentina.
On the other hand, this game will not finish without goals simply because of the attacking potential that both teams have. Messi-Alvarez and Mbappe-Giroud combined for 18 goals in this tournament, so a 0-0 result is out of the question. We’re not saying that this duel will be decided in regulation; a draw is a possibility, but we’re going with goals on both ends.
Claim 100% up to 122 euro Welcome Bonus with 22Bet
#1
Welcome Bonus
Use promo code PTVIP
100% up to €122
Argentina vs. France: Where to watch? Date, hour, and TV schedule
- FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail)
- Sunday, December 18, 2022,
- 4 PM CET
To check the full TV schedule visit https://www.protipster.com/football-live-stream.
