SPORTS

The Blue Army Marches on…

La Albiceleste cemented their place in the World cup final, as Leo Messi inspired a total rout of 2018 finalists, Croatia. The seven times Ballon D’Or winner opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34^th minute after a collision between Croatian goalkeeper, Livakovic and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez doubled the lead with a superb solo run, before adding a second for himself and third for Argentina from a Leo Messi sublime assist, who yet again showed the world why he’s highly revered, turning highly rated young defender Josko Gvardiol on the right wing .

Argentina would be gunning for redemption after narrowly missing out of World cup glory in 2014.

With his goal, Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s top scorer at World Cup finals on 11 goals.

Morocco: The Fairy Tale Ends

Morocco’s incredible run at the world cup has been cut short. When the world cup draw was made, not much was expected of them, drawing with Croatia, a finalist at the last outing, Belgium one of the heavyweights of international football and newbie Canada.

With the whole of Africa behind them, they surpassed expectations, going on to top their group and eliminating big names like Spain and Portugal en route to write history as the first Africa nation to reach the semi – finals of the World cup. In the run, they didn’t concede a goal in the group stage save an own goal.

Though, their dream at a shot of the world cup glory has been cut short, they exit the tournament with their heads held high for their historic run in this world cup outing. They provide a glimmer of hope for the African continent of what is to come in the future.

Who will come out victorious?

Reigning champions France booked their place in the final defeating Morocco by 2 goals to nil to set up a cracking showdown with Argentina who had earlier defeated Croatia, with Leo Messi once again putting up a man of the match master class.

The match would be a replay of the 2018 Round of 16 tie, where youngster Kylian Mbappe stole the show as France emerged winner with a 4:3 victory, with France going all the way to claim the title in Moscow.

Argentina and France have played each other at three previous World Cups, in 1930, 1978 and 2018. The first two meetings came at the group stages, with Argentina coming out victorious, but France’s win in Russia was their first knockout stage clash.

Overall, the two teams have faced off 12 times, with Argentina winning six times, France three times and the other three ending in stalemate.

Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappe are both tied at 5 goals, with both aiming for the golden boot.

The final match is scheduled to be played at Lusail stadium on 18^th December, 2022 by 4pm (Nigerian Time).