After 28 days, 63 matches and 166 goals it all comes down to this, 90 minutes (plus extra-time and pens?) in Lusail, Qatar to determine the champions of the world.
It’s not been a vintage edition of the World Cup but the final chapter could provide a faiytale ending.
Will the football gods shine on Lionel Messi and see him finally land the one title that has so far eluded him? Or will the French, inspired once more by 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe, win a second consecutive crown?
The bookies can barely separate Argentina and France in the betting. Both opened up at 9/5 but it looks like the South Americans might go off as favourites after being nibbled in to 7/4. It could be that punters are betting with their hearts as much as their heads with most fans keen to see Messi’s hero status cemented with the ultimate prize.
Both he and Mbappe are tied at the summit of the goalscorers charts on five goals so that title could also be decided today. Again, the bookies are favouring Messi, making him 10/11 to finish top of the leaderboard while his PSG teammate is 21/20.
France are a formidable force. Even more impressive when you consider the talent they’ve been shorn of for the tournament but Argentina look like they have the X-Factor in Qatar. Tens of thousands of fans have made the trip, making them seem like the best supported nation in Qatar. There also seems to be a genuine connection with the squad, which looks like it has all the positive traits of a successful club side.
Finally there appears to be a duty among the squad to deliver this title for their teammate, their leader, their legend, Lionel Messi. They know this is Messi’s last dance in an Argentina kit and they’re willing to put their bodies on the line for him such is the reverence he’s held in, even by his colleagues.
In a game of very fine margins every little edge could make a difference so the Argentians just get the nod this afternoon.
It’s unlikely to be a runaway win, if it is indeed decided within 90 minutes. Both nations have enough attacking talent to get on the scoresheet so we could see a few goals. Both teams to score pays 19/20. A one-goal winning margin for either side also appeals at 11/8.
Let’s hope the game lives up to expectations and it leaves us desperate to do it all again. In just 1,268 days time.
Super Singles
- Argentina to lift the trophy 10/11 Bet365
- Both teams to score 19/20 Bet365
- Argentina 2 France 1 11/1 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tip
- Sun 11:30 Luton Town vs Millwall
- Sun 15:00 Argentina vs France
Racing Tips
Rizzel’s only selection of the day runs at Wolverhampton, so fingers are crossed the weather doesn’t make yet another meeting abandoned.
As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Sunday’s World Cup Top Tips: Messi’s Last Dance to Provide a Happy Ending appeared first on MrFixitsTips.