C T Online Desk: A World Cup full of surprises has led to a reasonably predictable final as two pre-tournament favorites-Argentina and defending champions France-prepare to face off today at 9.00pm (Bangladesh Standard Time). The do-or-die title-decider will be held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Private satellite sports channel T- Sports and private satellite channel GTV will telecast the match live.
After surviving thrilling quarterfinal contests-France beat England thanks in large part to Harry Kane’s missed penalty, and Argentina squeaked past the Netherlands in a penalty shootout-both teams won their semifinal matches with relative ease. Argentina were never really in danger during its 3-0 win over Croatia, although Morocco challenged France more than the 2-0 score line might indicate.
The big concern for France heading into the game is the health of their players-not in terms of injuries, but a virus that caused two starters to miss the Morocco game. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano were sick with an unidentified virus that manager Didier Deschamps said was causing flu-like symptoms. (Deschamps also said that winger Kingsley Coman started feeling sick after the semis.) Rabiot and Upamecano were separated from their teammates to avoid spreading the illness. France have the depth to make up for their absences, but going into a World Cup final shorthanded isn’t what you want. Their statuses will be worth watching before Sunday.
Argentina don’t have any such concerns. And honestly, even if La Albiceleste were missing a few players, it wouldn’t matter as long as Lionel Messi was still available. Everything goes through Messi. (Well, except for Julián Álvarez’s incredible solo effort for the second goal against Croatia.) Messi is tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé for the World Cup lead with five goals, but he’s also had some unreal assists, like his creative, precise pass against the Netherlands and his long run to set up Álvarez’s second against Croatia.
Messi is the focal point for Argentina, and he’ll be the focus of the narrative leading up to and during Sunday’s game. For better or worse, this World Cup final is a referendum on Messi’s legacy for the Argentinian national team. For all of Messi’s on-field brilliance and club success, international soccer’s greatest achievement has eluded him. At 35, he has already said that this will be his final World Cup. It’s his last chance to do what the great Diego Maradona did before him: lead Argentina to glory.
Standing in his way are France, the defending champions. You couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic matchup. On one side, you have Messi trying to accomplish the one feat that has slipped through his fingers. On the other, you have France trying to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil in 1962. It’s a recipe for a great showdown-and it should live up to the promise.
