Preview - Final: Argentina v France

Mon, 19 Dec, 2022

Preview - Final: Argentina v France

Lusail: Lionel Messi is hoping to crown his stellar career by leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 glory on Sunday but Kylian Mbappe's history-chasing France are standing in his way.

France may need every hour available as kick-off looms after their camp was struck by illness, forcing a number of players to sit out training and giving head coach Didier Deschamps an unwanted headache.

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Qatar 2022 Final: 5 things to look out for

Sun, 18 Dec, 2022

Qatar 2022 Final: 5 things to look out for

Doha: Thirty-two nations began the tournament back on November 20 and that number has now been whittled down to just two as Argentina and France get set to go head-to-head in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

The showpiece event sees Argentina looking to win their first FIFA World Cup since the Maradona-inspired campaign of 1986 while France are aiming to retain the title they won four years ago in Russia. 

Ahead of football’s grandest game, the-AFC.com highlights five things to look out for.

Scaloni on cusp of joining Argentina coaching greats

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Scaloni on cusp of joining Argentina coaching greats

Doha: Lionel Scaloni is just one win away from joining the pantheon of all-time Argentina coaching greats alongside former FIFA World Cup winners Cesar Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo.

Thrust into the hotseat on an interim basis in 2018 after Jorge Sampaoli's tempestuous reign ended, Scaloni, 44, has made the job his own - leading the Albiceleste to the brink of a third FIFA World Cup crown.

Born winner Deschamps leads France to brink of glory again

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Born winner Deschamps leads France to brink of glory again

Doha: Through to their fourth FIFA World Cup final in seven editions, France have become accustomed to success on the international stage and central to it all has been Didier Deschamps, a born winner as a player and now an inspirational leader as a coach.

As Les Bleus approach Sunday's showdown with Argentina in Doha, it seems remarkable now that there were serious doubts about this French side coming into the FIFA World Cup.

Dembele says no room for sentiment for Messi

Sat, 17 Dec, 2022

Dembele says no room for sentiment for Messi

Doha: France star Ousmane Dembele has admitted he will have no room for sentiment for Lionel Messi in Sunday's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final as the holders look to retain the trophy when they face Argentina.

The final represents the last chance for Messi, now 35, to win football's greatest prize - he has already suggested he will not play again at a FIFA World Cup.

Modric sets sights on Nations League title

Sun, 18 Dec, 2022

Modric sets sights on Nations League title

Doha: Luka Modric led Croatia to the bronze medal at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Saturday and revealed he will extend his international career into 2023 in an attempt to win the Nations League.

The 37-year-old won his 162nd cap in the 2-1 win over Morocco, four years after helping his country to the FIFA World Cup runners-up spot behind France.

Croatia will now attempt to win the Nations League title next June in the four-team Finals also featuring Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

African team to win World Cup in '15-20 years', says Regragui

Sun, 18 Dec, 2022

African team to win World Cup in '15-20 years', says Regragui

Doha: Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said he believes an African team will win the  FIFA World Cup in the next "15 to 20 years" after his team finished fourth in Qatar 2022.

The Atlas Lions, who became the first African FIFA World Cup semi-finalists in history, lost Saturday's third place playoff 2-1 against 2018 runners-up Croatia but captured the imagination in Qatar.