Media by Associated Press – Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech in action during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is down to the last two games this weekend. Argentina and France will play each other in a blockbuster championship game on Sunday. Meanwhile, Croatia and Morocco will face off in the third-place game on Saturday, the final game for all four teams at this quadrennial tournament.
The title game is littered with storylines from France attempting to become the first repeat winner in 62 years to Argentina going after their first World Cup since 1986 and the first for superstar Lionel Messi. The Golden Ball and Golden Boot are both on the line in this game as well, with Messi and Kylian Mbappe as the top contenders for both awards.
The third-place game can be a fun, open-field contest as neither team feels pressure. Yes, they are disappointed to not be in the final, but both teams can open things up and take some chances, leading to a thrilling affair. Croatia and Morocco have both had inspiring runs and now get one more chance to put their talents on display for an international audience.
Championship Game
There isn’t a true favorite in Sunday’s championship game at the World Cup. The opening line had both Argentina and France at +180 on the 90-minute money line and -110 to lift the trophy. A draw after 90 minutes is +205, with an over 2.5 goals at +140 and under 2.5 goals at -175
Argentina had a much more comfortable win in the semifinals with a 2-0 lead at halftime and a 3-0 win over Croatia. France had a tighter game against Morocco despite scoring in the first 10 minutes. A determined Morocco side nearly equalized a few times before France finally put the game away 2-0 in the final 10 minutes.
Messi and Mbappe get the headlines, but they both have had fantastic supporting casts this tournament. While the superstars are tied for the Golden Boot at five goals apiece, they have teammates with four goals. Argentina’s Julian Alvarez scored twice against Croatia to pull into a tie with France’s Olivier Giroud for the third-most goals in the tournament.
The goalkeepers for both teams have been fantastic in the tournament. Hugo Lloris was part of the 2018 winning team for France, and he’s made big save after big save in the knockout round. Emi Martinez put up another clean sheet against Croatia in the semifinals after winning the shootout against Netherlands in the quarters.
This one may not have the six goals of the 2018 final, but expect both teams to be on their game Sunday for a thrilling final. Argentina are the sentimental favorite to get Messi a title, but France seem destined to repeat.
Third Place Game
It is hard to know what to expect in a third-place game as some of the major players may rest, or the squad may get rotated to put in players who haven’t played in the World Cup.
Both of these teams, though, will be playing to win and end the World Cup on a high note. For Morocco, it is a chance for a first-ever third-place finish, and for Croatia, they can get the taste of a loss out of their mouths.
Croatia are favored at +130, with Morocco at +210 to win in 90 minutes. A draw is +260. Over 2.5 goals is -125 and under 2.5 goals in the third-place game is +100.
Take a look at the over in this game. Dating back to 1974, when there was a 1-0 final, the third-place winner has scored at least two goals in each game. Both teams have scored in eight of the last 11 third-place games, and every third-place game since 1974 has gone over 2.5 goals except in 2018 when Belgium beat England 2-0.
Stay tuned for more WC 2022 Qatar betting picks and previews!