Argentina Vs France: World Cup Final Lineup Prediction
The Argentina vs. France World Cup final was one for the ages! Everyone was on the edge of their seats wondering about the final lineup. Let's dive into what everyone expected and what actually happened.
Predicted Argentina Lineup
Before the match, predicting Argentina's lineup was like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, had a few headaches to deal with, mainly due to injuries and suspensions. But let's break down what most experts thought would happen.
Goalkeeper
In goal, no surprises were expected. Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez was the undisputed number one. His heroics throughout the tournament, especially in penalty shootouts, made him a guaranteed starter. Dibu's confidence and ability to psyche out opponents were invaluable assets for Argentina.
Defense
The defense was where things got a bit tricky. With Marcos Acuña suspended, Nicolás Tagliafico was the likely replacement at left-back. The center-back pairing of Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero was almost certain, given their experience and solid performances. On the right, Nahuel Molina had cemented his place with his energetic displays.
Midfield
The midfield was another area with some question marks. Rodrigo De Paul's fitness was a concern, but he was expected to start if fit. Alongside him, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister were almost certain starters. Their dynamism, passing range, and work rate were crucial for Argentina's control in midfield. There was some speculation about whether Scaloni might opt for a more defensive midfielder like Leandro Paredes to provide extra protection.
Attack
Upfront, the main man was, of course, Lionel Messi. He was going to lead the attack and carry the hopes of a nation. Lautaro Martínez's form had been patchy, so there was a chance Julián Álvarez, who had impressed with his goals and energy, might get the nod. Ángel Di María, if fully fit, was expected to start on the wing, adding experience and creativity.
Possible Surprises
Scaloni had shown a knack for tactical surprises throughout the tournament. Some speculated he might switch to a five-man defense to match France's attacking threat or bring in an extra midfielder to stifle their creativity. However, most pundits believed he would stick with a familiar 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation.
Predicted France Lineup
On the French side, Didier Deschamps also had a few selection dilemmas, mainly due to illness running through the squad. However, France's squad depth meant they still had a formidable lineup.
Goalkeeper
In goal, Hugo Lloris was the undisputed captain and goalkeeper. His experience and leadership were vital for France.
Defense
The defense was expected to consist of Raphaël Varane and Dayot Upamecano in the center, although Ibrahima Konaté was also in contention after impressing in previous games. On the left, Theo Hernandez had made the left-back spot his own with his attacking displays. On the right, Jules Koundé was the likely choice.
Midfield
The midfield was anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had been a revelation in the tournament. Alongside him, Adrien Rabiot was expected to start, providing energy and steel. Antoine Griezmann was set to continue in his hybrid attacking-midfield role, where his creativity and work rate were invaluable.
Attack
Upfront, Kylian Mbappé was the main threat, and everyone knew it. Olivier Giroud was expected to lead the line, providing a focal point and aerial threat. On the right, Ousmane Dembélé was likely to start, although Kingsley Coman was also an option.
Possible Surprises
Deschamps is known for his pragmatic approach, so major surprises were unlikely. However, there was some speculation he might bring in an extra midfielder to solidify the midfield or change the forward line to try and exploit Argentina's weaknesses.
Actual Lineups
So, what lineups did the coaches actually go with? Here’s a look at the confirmed teams:
Argentina's Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister
- Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Ángel Di María
France's Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Raphaël Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot
- Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud
Key Observations
Argentina's Strategy
Argentina's lineup showed a clear intent to attack France's defense, which had looked shaky in earlier games. The inclusion of Ángel Di María was a bold move, as it provided Argentina with extra creativity and experience on the wing. Julián Álvarez continued to lead the line, hoping to stretch the French defense with his pace and energy.
France's Strategy
France's lineup was fairly predictable, with Deschamps sticking to his trusted players. The key was how they planned to contain Lionel Messi and exploit Argentina's defensive weaknesses. The midfield duo of Tchouaméni and Rabiot needed to be at their best to control the game and protect the defense.
How the Lineups Impacted the Game
The initial stages of the match showed how well Scaloni had read the game. Di María was a constant threat, and his presence led to Argentina's first penalty. Argentina's midfield dominated the early exchanges, and France struggled to get a foothold in the game. However, as the game wore on, France adjusted, and their substitutions changed the momentum.
Conclusion
Predicting the lineups for a World Cup final is always a challenge, but it's part of what makes the build-up so exciting. Both coaches had to make tough decisions based on form, fitness, and tactical considerations. In the end, the game was a classic, full of twists and turns, and the lineups played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. The Argentina vs. France final will be remembered for its drama, skill, and the tactical battles that unfolded on the pitch.
Whether you were backing Argentina or France, the final lineup choices added an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating match. And let's be honest, guys, who doesn't love a good lineup prediction before a massive game like this?