The world waits for the grand finale of the World Cup football tournament in Doha, Qatar with
bated breath.

Come Sunday,we will witness the coronation of the champions.Either Argentina or France will
have the last laugh and bask in glory.

Both semi finals did not rise to the level everyone had anticipated in terms of competitiveness.
It was devoid of thrill and excitement and failed to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Star player Lionel Messi, looking for his maiden World Cup did not disappoint . He came up
with another big and impressive performance and was instrumental in his team’s victory over
Croatia.

He was declared man of the match for the fourth time in the competition for a goal and superb
assist.

Croatia got off to a bright start and dominated early proceedings but found themselves on the
back foot following Messi’s penalty conversion.

The penalty awarded to Argentina raised many eyebrows and was questioned by Croatia
manager, players and many football experts.However, the penalty decision was supported by
VAR.

Despite Croatia’s comeback king status, they failed to launch a fight back.The lethal
combination of Messi and Julian Alvarez made the big difference at the end.

In all probability thirty seven year old Croatian Luka Modric played his last World Cup.The
highly experienced and brilliant play maker might not have delivered his best but he has
already carved a niche in international football.

The talent and depth in the French squad is obvious. They reached the final without some of
their key players in the likes of Kante, Pogba and Benzema.

Kylian Mbappe,Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Adrien Rabiot have been the mainstay
of the French squad.They made significant contributions and carried their team to the final.

In the semi-final against Morocco the French were laser focused and in business. They played
with their usual flair, flow and panache to end the remarkable run of Morocco.

Despite defeat,Morocco galvanized the sporting world with their inspiring, positive and fighting
brand of football.

They humbled giants of world football Belgium,Spain, Portugal and drew with Croatia.

For the second time in the tournament they will take on Croatia for the third position.Whether or
not they finish as the third best team in the world, it is merely academic. In fact,they already
have achieved more than everyone expected.

Whatever the end result is,it will be considered a grand success story for the Moroccons who
were given little chance to advance this deep into the tournament by bookmakers and football
experts.

They have emerged victorious winning hearts and minds of sport enthusiasts across the globe.

More importantly,Morocco’s success story is a big boost to football in the African continent and
is bound to drive football activities to new heights in the future.

Who will win the World Cup? At this point,it is a million dollar question. I will say though the
battle royal is delicately balanced, poised and wide open. Any team can win.

The team that is able to cash in on scoring opportunities will have the upper hand and stand a
good chance to triumph.

The final on Sunday will be the thirteenth meeting between Argentina and France in
international tournaments including friendlies.

Statistically Argentina holds a clear edge over France winning six times.On the other hand,
France won on 3 occasions.The remaining three matches were drawn.

Football analysts have given an edge to Argentina based on statistics,strengths and
weaknesses and current form.

The South American giants start as favorites going into the final.The big question is, can they
translate the high expectations into a World Cup winning performance?

Should Messi and company continue to play as they have been,they do stand a good chance to
kiss glory.

Messi’s overall performance will be key to Argentina’s success.Also dynamic goal scorer
Alvarez form will be critical for the team.

If France finds a way to checkmate Messi,it will be quite a struggle for Argentina.

Argentina will be hoping for another winning combination between Messi and Alvarez.

France’s answer to Messi is Mbappe, the goal scoring machine who has great skills, reflex and
pace.He can prove to be the tormentor for Argentina if they fail to contain him.

Besides,striker Giroud is a source of danger for the defense as well.If ace striker Karim
Benzema, this year’s Ballon d’Or winner starts for France in the final,there is no room for
mediocrity in Argentina defense.

Another key player for France is highly talented midfielder Griezmann who has been
outstanding in the tournament.

France is attempting to win back-to-back World Cup.If they succeed,they will become the third
country to achieve the feat in the history of the World Cup. Italy and Brazil are the only
countries to have reached the milestone.

It may be recalled that in the 2018 World Cup in Russia France had prevailed over Argentina
4-3 in the round of 16.

Mbappe scored two goals in the match and captured headlines for his talent and goal scoring
prowess.

The two superstars and Paris Saint Germain teammates square off in their quest for football
glory yet again.

Also the race for the Golden Boot is between Messi and Mbappe who have five goals each.
Also Alvarez and Giroud with four goals each are in contention.

A fascinating, engrossing, gripping, suspenseful and intriguing final is in the making.

-By Sushil Thapa, Fairfax,VA