Argentina vs. France World Cup Final Picks, Predictions, Odds
This is the one we’ve been waiting for as the 2022 World Cup Final kicks off Sunday and it’s the kind of blockbuster matchup we all wanted.
Argentina vs France sees two footballing giants face off for the sport’s biggest prize.
Even though the tournament had plenty of upsets, Argentina (+550) and France (+600) and the World Cup as the second and third betting choices to lift the trophy respectively.
Can Lionel Messi lead his Argentina teammates to a long-awaited Mundial in what may be his final chance? Or, will the French prodigy Kylian Mbappe upstage his PSG teammate and help Les Bleus retain the crown?
Not only will the 2022 World Cup outright market be settled Sunday but the Golden Boot will be given to the top goal scorer, which likely will be Messi or Mbappe. Not surprisingly, Messi (+1200) and Mbappe (+900) were listed in the Top 5 choices to do so.
Argentina vs. France Picks & Score Predictions
Bettors will have a difficult match to call. World Cup Finals often are. Three of the last four have gone to extra time which instantly lends itself to the draw angle at +200.
If the most recent World Cup meeting between these sides is anything to go by, few would turn down an additional 30 minutes. France won 4-3 in a Round of 16 meeting at the 2018 World Cup on their way to the title.
A similar score line here would be a surprise. Finals are often tight and cagey affairs. Only two of the last eight finals have seen both teams scoring. Still, I expect that to change here.
Both sides have shown defensive weaknesses during the competition so both teams to score looks good. I’m also backing Argentina to lift the trophy. They’ve impressed throughout the tournament and have the quality to win this battle, especially in midfield. With the way Lionel Messi is playing right now, it’s hard to count against him.
Score Predictions:
Argentina 2 France 1 (+1100)
Argentina 3 France 2 (+4000)
Argentina vs. France Best Bets
I like Argentina coming into this final, as I have throughout the competition. La Albiceleste has a togetherness and determination rarely seen in international football. I just don’t think it will be easy. It’s hard to count against France scoring with the form Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud are in.
Argentina to lift the trophy and both sides scoring is a tempting +300 punt.
Game Best Bets:
- Argentina +180
- Argentina to Lift the Trophy (+100)
- Argentina to Lift the Trophy/Both Teams to Score (+300)
- Argentina/Both Teams to Score (+550)
Argentina vs. France Odds
Argentina +175
France +175
Draw +200
Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-188)
To Lift the Trophy
Argentina +100
France -125
It’s a game on a knife’s edge. France are the marginal favorites to win this match in 90 minutes at +175 with Argentina just behind at +180. You’ll get +200 for the draw in 90 as previously stated. It’s +100 for Albiceleste to lift the trophy. It’s -125 for Les Bleus to become the first nation to lift consecutive World Cup trophies for 40 years.
Argentina vs. France Special Odds
Both Teams to Score: Yes +100 No -134
Game Decided in Extra Time: Yes +550 No -900
Game Decided After Penalties: Yes +400 No -600
Method of Victory
90 Mins - Argentina +180 France +175
Extra Time - Argentina +1100 France +1100
Penalties - Argentina +800 France +800
Argentina vs. France Betting Stats
World Cup Record
Argentina (4-1-1)
France (5-0-1)
World Cup Form
Saudi Arabia 2 Argentina 1 (Underdog +2200)
Argentina 2 Mexico 0 (Favorite -188)
Argentina 2 Poland 0 (Favorite -223)
Argentina 2 Australia 1 (Favorite -500)
Argentina 2 Netherlands 2 (Draw +210) -- Argentina wins on PKs (4-2)
Argentina 3 Croatia 0 (Favorite -110)
France 4 Australia 1 (Favorite -400)
France 2 Denmark 1 (Favorite -134)
Tunisia 1 France 0 (Underdog +800)
France 3 Poland 1 (Favorite -300)
France 2 England 1 (Favorite +170)
France 2 Morocco 0 (Favorite -188)
Argentina Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
Try and stop Lionel Messi from grabbing the spotlight and control of the match at this World Cup. Croatia tried and failed in the semi-finals as the Netherlands did before. Messi hadn’t scored in a World Cup knockout match before this World Cup. He’s since scored in every knockout match Argentina has played in Qatar on their way to the final. He’s a +162 bet to get one at any time in this match.
Messi is the obvious player to pick out but credit must be given to Julain Alvarez. The Manchester City star is playing far beyond his years in Qatar. He bagged two goals in the semifinal against Croatia and is one to watch here. France has struggled to keep the goals out with a string of defensive errors. Alvarez’s pace in behind is a useful weapon to Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Mistakes are likely in this France defense. They’ve conceded three penalties in the knockout stage. All three were pretty poor defensive mistakes. It’s +600 for Argentina to score a penalty which looks a good punt.
Albiceleste will need to stop France’s mobile attackers. Kylian Mbappe is the obvious threat but the impressive Nahuel Molina is up to the task. I’m more doubtful of their ability to deal with the central threats. Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann thrive with their offensive movement.
Nicolas Otamendi and Rodrigo De Paul need to be a little more aware than they have been at times in this tournament. If they win those battles, Argentina can thrive moving forward.
Player-Team Best Bets:
Lionel Messi - Anytime Goal Scorer +162
Argentina - To Score a Penalty (+600)
France Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
France is the favorite with good reason. Despite their numerous injuries heading into this competition, Les Bleus have the strongest and deepest squad in international football. The injuries have allowed Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni to come to the fore. The latter three were crucial against Morocco but I’m looking at the former here.
Argentina struggle with physical forwards. Olivier Giroud is certainly that but there are more aspects to his game. Les Bleus’ record scorer moves well and is capable of outsmarting the often-emotional defensive pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero. Giroud is a +300 selection to score anytime in this final.
Many of these French players have been here before. But the man who lit up that final four years ago was Kylian Mbappe. The PSG forward scored one and had a hand in a few others as Les Bleus beat Croatia 4-2. He’s neck-and-neck with Lionel Messi in the quest for the Golden Boot in Qatar. Odds listed at +105 is a low but fair price for him to get one at any time here.
This looks set to be the Messi vs Mbappe final. A goal for either man will go some way to deciding who takes the trophy home from Qatar.
Croatia Player Best Bets
Kylian Mbappe - Golden Boot Winner (+105)
Olivier Giroud - Anytime Goal Scorer +300
Argentina vs. France Betting Resources
Date: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022
Matchup: Final
Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium
Location: Lusail, Qatar
TV-Time: FOX, 10:00 a.m. ET
Be sure to follow Dan Jenkins on Twitter at DanJenkins at @DanJenkins_BE
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