World Cup

[monks data]

World Cup | Final

Dec 18, 2022 at 3pm UK

Lusail Iconic Stadium

Argentina
3 - 3
France

Messi (23' pen., 108'), di Maria (36')
Fernandez (45+7'), Acuna (90+8'), Paredes (114'), Montiel (116'), Martinez (126')

FT
(aet)

Mbappe (80' pen., 81', 118' pen.)
Rabiot (55'), Thuram (87'), Giroud (90+5')

Argentina win 4-2 on penalties

Argentina looking to avoid unwanted World Cup final record

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 17 December 2022

Argentina are looking to avoid an unwanted World Cup final record when they face holders France in Sunday's showpiece event at the Lusail Stadium.

La Albiceleste secured a statement 3-0 victory against Croatia in the semi-finals on Tuesday, while Les Bleus edged past surprise packages Morocco to win 2-0 in their last-four contest.

Argentina are now seeking to lift the World Cup trophy for the third time in their history and for the first time since 1986, while France are also in the hunt for their third crown on the biggest international stage.

Only Germany (eight) have reached more World Cup finals than Argentina, who will be competing in their sixth final on Sunday having previously reached the last two in 1930, 1978, 1986, 1990 and most recently in 2014.

On three of these occasions, Argentina have lost in the final, losing 4-2 to Uruguay in 1930, 1-0 to West Germany in 1990 and 1-0 after extra time against Germany in 2014.

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after Saudi Arabia score their first goal on November 22, 2022 © Reuters

Another loss for Argentina on Sunday would see them draw level with Germany (four) as the nation with the joint-most defeats in a World Cup final.

Sunday's showdown between Argentina and France will be the 11th World Cup final competed between a South American and European nation.

South American teams have lifted the trophy on seven of the previous 10 occasions, but Argentina are responsible for two of the three defeats by South American sides, losing in both 1990 and 2014.

Argentina lost their last meeting against France, with Les Bleus securing a thrilling 4-3 victory in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup before going all the way to lift the trophy.

In addition, France are unbeaten in their last 10 encounters against South American opposition, which bodes well for Didier Deschamps's side on Sunday.

Nevertheless, Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that his Argentina side, who have lost just once in their last 42 international matches across all competitions, can come out on top and believes that his team "is at its best" heading to the Lusail Stadium.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni pictured on December 9, 2022 © Reuters

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the 44-year-old said: "The group is at its best. Our greatest triumph is that everyone feels part of it. That is essential.

"I already have decided how we are going to form. We have to enjoy these moments until the game starts. All of this will go down in history.

"I am proud and enthusiastic about the moment we are living. We are at the door of a final but the important thing is the road. I hope that all the people can join us and we give them joy. I think we have the best fans in the world. They needed joy and I think we're giving it to them.

"Hopefully we can win the cup, it would be great. We know how to attack [France], we have a clear game plan."

Deschamps, meanwhile, has confirmed that Karim Benzema will not make a return to the France squad for Sunday's final, while defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate are reportedly set to return to first-team training after a spell out with illness.