The Hard Tackle looks at three key players to watch out for in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France.
The D-Day has finally arrived. After 63 matches, several upsets and numerous memorable moments, it whittles down to two teams. Argentina and France will contest for the coveted gold trophy at the Lusail Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final on Sunday evening, And the promised land is nearly upon one set of players.
Argentina will be out to exorcise the demons of the final in 2014, where several of the current squad went down to Germany. In particular, Lionel Messi will be desperate to get the monkey off his back and end the comparisons with Diego Maradona. And the diminutive wizard will likely end the “GOAT” debate once and for all in doing so.
At the other end of the spectrum, Didier Deschamps and France will have the chance to achieve footballing immortality. Les Bleus can become only the third-ever national team to win back-to-back World Cups. And Deschamps will have the opportunity to become the first-ever coach to win two World Cups in the post-World War II era.
Add to it the background of the two teams colliding in a goal-fest in the 2018 edition, and the stage is set for Argentina and France to dazzle the nearly 90,000-strong crowd at the Lusail Stadium. And ahead of the mouthwatering clash, The Hard Tackle lists three key players for the game. Bear in mind that we are not mentioning Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi, as they will invariably be the star attractions in the match-up.
Enzo Fernandez
A tournament to remember for Enzo Fernández 🌟 pic.twitter.com/nTWATYEwbP
— 433 (@433) December 13, 2022
We start our list with one of two players who initially did not feature in Lionel Scaloni’s plans for Argentina’s first-choice eleven. But after displaying his credentials as a game-changer from the middle of the park, Enzo Fernandez has become a pivotal figure for La Albiceleste.
The 21-year-old only rose to prominence towards the end of 2021 due to his exploits with River Plate. And several European bigwigs had already been vying for his signature in the summer. But his progress at Benfica and the heroics at the World Cup have forced every big club to sit up and notice his talent.
Fernandez is currently a target for clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United. And recent reports have suggested that Liverpool and Benfica have reached an agreement in principle over a deal for the youngster. Back to the matters on the pitch, Fernandez is invariably a pivotal figure for Argentina.
The 21-year-old’s combativeness in the middle of the park adds another dimension to Argentina’s gameplay, which can be slick and fluid when Lionel Messi is in full flow. Also, Fernandez does not shy away from aiming for impossible goals. After all, that got him a crucial goal against Mexico that galvanised Argentina. So the Real Madrid and Liverpool target will invariably be an influential member of Scaloni’s side against France.
Antoine Griezmann
No player has created more chances than Antoine Griezmann at the 2022 World Cup 👏
Magician ✨ pic.twitter.com/ToxmHt51ju
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2022
From a player who has announced his arrival on the biggest stage with his heroics to one who has shown the world that there is life left in an old war horse. We are talking about Antoine Griezmann, who has displayed his class emphatically for France in Qatar. And he has arguably been the best player at the World Cup.
The 31-year-old had seen his stock plummet during a nightmarish stint with Barcelona. And things did not improve when he rejoined Atletico Madrid either. But Griezmann has rediscovered his best form while adding layers to his game by reprising the no. 8 role.
The veteran playmaker has been the creative supremo for France at the World Cup, pulling the strings from the middle of the park. In addition, Griezmann has added a combative element to his game. While he already liked to get stuck in and put in tackles, he has displayed an incredible work ethic.
Griezmann has thus been the ideal foil for Kylian Mbappe, who has expressed himself without having to take on any defensive workload. And the 31-year-old will again be crucial to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi quiet during the defensive phases while setting up the chances for France. And if things go as planned, Griezmann is arguably the front-runner to win the Golden Ball.
Julian Alvarez
It's been a busy 12 months for Julian Alvarez 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wSYghAuMAV
— GOAL (@goal) December 16, 2022
Our list ends with the other pivotal figure for Argentina, who was not a first-choice starter for Lionel Scaloni. But Julian Alvarez has been incredible to usurp Lautaro Martinez at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And his qualities make the young striker the perfect foil for Lionel Messi.
The 22-year-old is a bundle of energy and has a line-breaking pass in him. In addition, Alvarez likes to dribble past defenders with his mazy and pacy runs, as he showcased brilliantly against Morocco. And the youngster also holds the ball well, bringing Messi into the picture.
Alvarez has not featured prominently for Manchester City, but he is a handy alternative to Erling Haaland. So it is hardly surprising that clubs like Real Madrid are keenly tracking his progress. As for what the former River Plate striker brings to the table, he will be a handy option on and off the ball.
Alvarez, like his close friend and former River Plate teammate Enzo Fernandez, embodies Argentina’s team spirit. And with his goal threat and playmaking abilities, the 22-year-old will be a thorn in France’s side.
