2022 World Cup: Bronze Final and Final Prediction
After the two semi-finals went as most of us expected, we're set for a brilliant World Cup final this weekend which I'm very excited for.
On Superbru, that match and the tricky Bronze final represent two final opportunities to pick up some points and improve your pool rankings in our Predictor.
Here are my thoughts on each game, feel free to leave your own in the comments.
It's a tough pick but I think I'm going to back Morocco because I'd like to see them win and even in defeat against France they showed some attacking flair which might just earn them 3rd place in front of their incredible supporters. Whatever the result, what a campaign it has been for them. Croatia 1-2 Morocco
There's a great narrative guaranteed as we'll either finally see Lionel Messi lift the World Cup or we'll see France become only the 3rd ever team to win it back-to-back. Which is more likely? I think Argentina, just. I've been concerned throughout this tournament that the sheer amount of pressure on delivering this trophy at Messi's final attempt might prove too much but Argentina just seem to be absolutely determined to do whatever it takes and so while the rest of the team do an incredible amount of off the ball running to regain possession, the great man has certainly been making it worth their while once he gets the ball by delivering absolutely incredible performances throughout this tournament at the age of 35.
France will be their toughest test yet, though. I was guilty of predicting that they'd implode but I've been so impressed with their front four, particularly Griezmann, and their centre backs were also impressive on Wednesday against Morocco. It's very hard to pick a winner but if I'm looking for one area that might just decide it, I do wonder if France looking weak defensively down their left hand side may just mean Messi proves decisive. Theo Hernandez and Kylian Mbappe will of course trouble Argentina down that same flank when attacking but it comes with risk and even if Deschamps changes things up to reduce that risk, does that mean they'll then be less of a force going forward?
I think if Argentina lineup similarly to how they did against Croatia with a number of strong central midfielders ready to drop and defend against Griezmann, they might just take it. Argentina 2-1 France
Best of luck with your own final predictions and enjoy the action!
On Superbru, that match and the tricky Bronze final represent two final opportunities to pick up some points and improve your pool rankings in our Predictor.
Here are my thoughts on each game, feel free to leave your own in the comments.
Croatia vs. Morocco
The Bronze final always feels slightly unnecessary and it's often hard to predict too since the motivation for both teams clearly isn't quite as great as it was in the semi-finals. After the goalless draw we saw between these two in Round 1 which was far from a classic, I think this is a difficult pick as Morocco will have all of the support but Croatia will likely be less hampered by injuries and perhaps even fatigue in general given the sheer emotion involved in Morocco's historic campaign.It's a tough pick but I think I'm going to back Morocco because I'd like to see them win and even in defeat against France they showed some attacking flair which might just earn them 3rd place in front of their incredible supporters. Whatever the result, what a campaign it has been for them. Croatia 1-2 Morocco
Argentina vs. France
Right then. You know it should be a good final when you've genuinely no idea who to pick.There's a great narrative guaranteed as we'll either finally see Lionel Messi lift the World Cup or we'll see France become only the 3rd ever team to win it back-to-back. Which is more likely? I think Argentina, just. I've been concerned throughout this tournament that the sheer amount of pressure on delivering this trophy at Messi's final attempt might prove too much but Argentina just seem to be absolutely determined to do whatever it takes and so while the rest of the team do an incredible amount of off the ball running to regain possession, the great man has certainly been making it worth their while once he gets the ball by delivering absolutely incredible performances throughout this tournament at the age of 35.
France will be their toughest test yet, though. I was guilty of predicting that they'd implode but I've been so impressed with their front four, particularly Griezmann, and their centre backs were also impressive on Wednesday against Morocco. It's very hard to pick a winner but if I'm looking for one area that might just decide it, I do wonder if France looking weak defensively down their left hand side may just mean Messi proves decisive. Theo Hernandez and Kylian Mbappe will of course trouble Argentina down that same flank when attacking but it comes with risk and even if Deschamps changes things up to reduce that risk, does that mean they'll then be less of a force going forward?
I think if Argentina lineup similarly to how they did against Croatia with a number of strong central midfielders ready to drop and defend against Griezmann, they might just take it. Argentina 2-1 France
Best of luck with your own final predictions and enjoy the action!
Two things. I think the French goal has lead a 'charmed life' throughout this World Cup and they can count themselves VERY lucky to be in the Final, so Argentina for me but maybe after Pens. Secondly, will the Bronze play-off see coaches reward lesser used squad players with some game time? But both are very small nations for whom coming Global 3rd will be a BIG deal compared to when established countries play with their noses put out of joint, like England in Russia, and lose.Who else hates the way players childishly rip off their silver or play-off 'finalist' medal
Agentina vs France 1-1
So happy I got to watch 5 games and saw how beautiful this game is and how it brings people together
Qatar has been a wonderful host