After 62 matches and 163 goals, the final weekend of the World Cup is here. It’s been a truly memorable tournament so far, with drama, goals and shocks galore. However, two of the pre-tournament favourites are left standing, as France take on Argentina on the grandest stage of all. Before that, surprise packages Croatia and Morocco do battle in the third-place play-off.
As we have been doing for all 62 matches of the World Cup so far, Bet9ja is still bringing you more than 160 markets to bet on for both the third-place play-off and the final. Read on for an in-depth preview of both matches.
Final: Argentina vs France
Lusail Stadium
Sunday 18th December, 16:00
For those of you who read our World Cup preview, you’ll remember we predicted an Argentina vs France final before a ball had been kicked. As the two teams with arguably the best players in the world, and packed with winning mentality, it’s no surprise to see the two make it to Sunday’s showpiece event.
It seems like a lifetime ago now, but it was far from plain sailing for Argentina to get through Group C. Lionel Scaloni’s men were stunned 1-2 by Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener, in what will go down as one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history. Needing at least four points from the next two matches, Argentina then beat Mexico 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals, but a poor first-half display had many questioning their spot in the knockout round. But it was more like we expected from Argentina in the last group game, when they comfortably saw off Poland 2-0.
The 2-1 scoreline against Australia seems closer than how the action unfolded in the Last 16 clash. Australia netted late to give themselves hope, while Argentina dominated proceedings with 61% of possession. The Argentines threw away a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands before beating them on penalties in the quarter-finals, but were at their best to see off Croatia in the semi-finals. A goal and an unbelievable assist from Lionel Messi, as well as two goals from Julian Alvarez helped seal the convincing 3-0 victory and send a clear message to France.
This Argentine side enjoys keeping possession but isn’t afraid to hold back when needed; they only controlled possession 39% of the time against Croatia. That goes against their tournament average of 58%, but it’s moments of brilliance they ultimately rely on. As one of the players of the tournament, all eyes will be on Messi on Sunday. With five goals to his name so far, he is joint top scorer at this year’s World Cup, and all that is missing in his illustrious trophy cabinet is the World Cup trophy. At the age of 35 and with more than 170 caps to his name, this is surely his last opportunity.
Looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup trophies, France took a huge step after victory against Morocco, as they became the first team to reach back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil reached three in a row between 1994 and 2002.
Much like their opponents, France have relied on their big-match players, winning mentality and moments of brilliance to reach this year’s final. Didier Deschamps’ men overpowered Australia 4-1 in their opener, despite falling behind. Oliver Giroud scored twice in that one, while it was Kylian Mbappe who shone during the 2-1 victory over Denmark. After resting players against Tunisia, France were back to their best, easing past Poland 3-1 thanks to another masterclass and two goals from Mbappe.
In the 2-1 victory over England in the quarter-finals, Les Bleus had to see out periods of England domination, but were more clinical in the chances they had. Among the backdrop of controversial refereeing decisions, Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range drive against the run of play gave the French the lead before a Harry Kane penalty levelled things up. Giroud’s pinpoint header from an excellent Antoine Griezmann cross restored the lead, and France had to ride their luck by relying on a missed penalty from Kane to progress.
Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani scored the goals to see off Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals. The gameplan from France has been clear in the past couple of matches. With 43% of possession against England and just 39% against Morocco – down on their tournament average of 52% – it’s clear France are more than happy to step off their opposition during periods of the game, knowing they have the firepower to punish them when needed.
Both on five goals so far, all the talk going into the final is surrounding PSG stars Messi and Mbappe. Messi is priced up at odds of 5.30 to score first at Bet9ja, and 2.75 to score at any time. Mbappe is 6.00 to score first and 3.10 to net anytime. Away from those two, Alvarez is 3.75 to score anytime and Giroud 3.85, with both players having scored four each so far.
The odds are very tight for who will win in 90 minutes. Argentina are 2.88 and France are 2.82. But to win the trophy it’s even tighter, with Argentina odds of 1.93 and France 1.92. Aside from the six scored in the 2018 final, goals are usually harder to come by in the World Cup final. Four of the last five have seen two goals or less scored, and we’re offering odds of 1.57 for under 2.5 goals.
A match-up for the ages and extremely hard to call, France’s recent experience and mentality in the biggest games makes them the slightest of favourites at Bet9ja.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing, 90 minutes only): Argentina win: 2.88, Draw: 3.05, France win: 2.82
Third place play-off: Croatia vs Morocco
Khalifa International Stadium
Saturday 17th December, 16:00
Both teams will be demoralised after comfortable defeats in the semi-finals, but Saturday’s match presents a great chance to end the World Cup on a high. Very few would have fancied Croatia to make this stage, having grinded out a 0-0 draw with Belgium to qualify for the Last 16, before winning on penalties against both Japan and Brazil.
Even fewer would have backed Morocco to make it this far, but wins over Belgium, Spain and Portugal meant they became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals, and deservedly so.
Croatia are favourites at Bet9ja to finish in the final three of the World Cup for the third time in just six appearances. With more big-match experience, that’s no surprise, but Morocco certainly don’t lack quality or heart. They are 3.10 to win in 90 minutes against Croatia, and very few would begrudge the Atlas Lions.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing, 90 minutes only): Croatia win: 2.40, Draw: 3.50, Morocco win: 3.10
