The big one will be tense
It is finally here, Argentina take on France in the World Cup final on Sunday.
La Albiceleste have recovered from their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening group game to reach the final, and could become only the second side to win the competition after losing their first game, the other being France in 2010.
Lionel Scaloni has steered the side through the knockout rounds with relative comfort.
Outside of the 2-2 draw and penalty shoot-out win against Netherlands, when they were cruising earlier on in the game, Argentina have progressed without too much doubt and will fancy their chances of picking up the trophy for the first time since 1986.
France would become the first nation to retain the trophy since 1962, when Brazil went back-to-back, and considering the number of key players that are missing through injury it would be some achievement.
Background
In some places the match is being labelled Lionel Messi v Kylian Mbappe, but there is a lot more to it than the rivalry of the two Paris Saint-Germain team-mates.
Olivier Giroud has been a standout performer for France over the course of the competition, even though it was unlikely he would have picked up regular minutes had Karim Benzema been fit to play a part.
Argentina are the more dogged side with less individual quality, with that in mind it feels like if both sides play to their best level Les Bleus will come out on top.
That said, the work ethic of the Argentina team is far greater than in years gone by when they boasted a more high profile starting XI.
France came through a close match with England at the quarter final stage and had to dig in at times to keep Morocco at bay in the semi final, but have looked a class act when they get going.
Antoine Griezmann has had a standout tournament and should be in the conversation for the golden ball if they go on to retain the crown under Didier Deschamps.
Goals?
This is a huge game, and I do believe that the 2018 final was something of an outlier, unders for me I am afraid.
Argentina have scored in all of their last 15.
Argentina have conceded in three of ten.
Argentina have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Argentina have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
France have scored in seven of ten.
France have conceded in eight of ten.
France have seen both teams score in five of ten.
France have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Looked like a chance until Mbappe showed up. What an incredible match.