Argentina vs. France: 2022 World Cup Finals Betting Picks & Predictions: Sunday (12/18)
Let’s take a look at our top picks and predictions for Sunday’s 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.
Argentina vs. France: 2022 World Cup Finals Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (12/18)
Argentina vs. France (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 6 p.m.)
Lionel Messi and Argentina are just one win away from providing Messi with the only trophy that has eluded him his entire career. Messi is currently tied for the most goals at this year's World Cup with France's Kylian Mbappe. The deciding goal in the final could also decide the Golden Boot winner.
France is looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. The last time a team made it to consecutive World Cup finals was when Brazil made three in a row in 1994, 1998 and 2002. They won in ’94 and ’02, but they finished second in ’98.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Will Messi Ride Off Into the Sunset?
Since losing their opening game to Saudi Arabia, the Argentinians have outscored their opponents 11-3. They have struggled to hold comfortable leads, as shown against Australia and the Netherlands, but they had no such trouble against Croatia in the semifinal.
Argentina looked like the better side from start to finish, and the final score could have been much more lopsided. Messi has been excellent in this World Cup, and if the Argentinians do bring home the trophy, he will be an integral reason why they do so.
Will France Repeat?
Argentina may have looked dominant in their semifinal win, but France did not. A goal in the fifth minute allowed the French to ease up. Though they had a few opportunities, they looked ready to concede a goal for the majority of the second half. Randal Kolo Muani's goal in the 79th minute sealed the game, but the final score is not indicative of how the game went.
Yet, all hope is not lost for France. Morocco was very good on the defensive side, and France did manage to score twice against them. They were the first two goals that Morocco had allowed by an opponent at this World Cup. Additionally, France earned their first clean sheet of the tournament despite a relentless attack from Morocco in the second half.
What's the Best Bet?
This World Cup final is one of the most even in recent memory. At the moment, Argentina and France are both -110 to win and +180 to win in regular time. A draw is +205. With this game so evenly matched, the best bet is to look elsewhere.
Over 2.5 goals at +145 is the best play of this match. France has allowed a goal in all but one of their games, while Argentina has scored first in every match at this World Cup. If Argentina can get on the board early, that will open this game up. Argentina has allowed at least one goal in three of their six games this tournament, and France is the best offensive team they have faced to this point. If you want to get ambitious, you could even take Over 3.5 goals, currently listed at +390.
Pick: Over 2.5 Total Goals (+145)
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