FOOTBALL

Predictions: Who will win the Qatar World Cup?

Published

2 years ago

December 18, 2022

admin

The stage is set for the grand finale.

After a month of football festivities in Qatar, France and Argentina remain the last two standing.

France will be the first reigning champion to play the World Cup final in 24 years. But they will have to look further to take inspiration for a second successive title win since Brazil, who won the title in 1958 and 1962, are the only team to do so.

Argentina will look to avoid their third final defeat after their World Cup winning run in 1986.

Argentina have showed great determination throughout the tournament to make it to the final.

They opened their campaign with a surprise defeat to Saudi Arabia, but that could not stop them from winning the next two group matches and winning the group.

They did not let the Netherlands run away with the game after the Oranje restored parity in magnificent style in the quarterfinals. And in the semi, they made light work of Croatia, who had eliminated Brazil in the previous round. La Albiceleste are a team on a roll.

Argentina have arguably the greatest footballer in football history, Lionel Messi.

The 35-year-old has won every possible trophy in the senior stage, but the only glaring miss in his trophy cabinet is a World Cup medal.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner came close to fulfilling his dream in 2014 when Argentina agonisingly lost the final 1-0 to Germany. Messi will be determined to avoid a similar heartbreak and end his international career with a memorable last dance.

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s success in the tournament, but he is not the only one who has brought the Latin American side this far.

Nicolás Otamendi has seemingly found the fountain of youth as he has been playing like a player well below his thirties.

Premier League duo Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero have supported the veteran in building a formidable backline.

Enzo Fernández has emerged as a midfield powerhouse, and Julián Álvarez has shown that the future of the Argentina frontline is in safe hands. Above all, Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni’s tactical acumen has paved the way to the final.

Scaloni has tweaked his system to neutralise the threat of the opposition in every match.

He contained the Netherland’s front two threat with a back five, resorted to a back four, and went for a counter-attacking approach to exploit Croatia’s lacklustre frontline and open up gaps in their midfield. Argentina’s unpredictable tactical shape makes them a tricky team to beat.

Scaloni will have to cook up something special to contain the threat of France’s attacking might. Morocco did not concede a goal to opposition forwards in the entire tournament. But it took Les Bleus only four minutes to unlock the Moroccan defence in the semifinals.

The Atlas Lions put up a great fight, but they could not add the French to their list of giant huntings.

Kylian Mbappé has bagged five goals in Qatar and share the top spot in the Golden Boot race with Messi.

But it has been Antoine Griezmann who has been running the show for France. Didier Deschamps asked to play him a playmaker role behind Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé, and he has executed that role to perfection.

The Atlético Madrid forward has created 21 chances in the competition so far; no other player has managed to create more.

France did not start the tournament on the back of great results, but they left all that behind and made it to the final. So they have no reason to feel like the underdogs at the Luisal Iconic on Sunday evening.

Team News

Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel will be available for selection after serving their one-match suspension in the semifinal.

Alejandro Gómez is the only injury concern in the Argentina camp, as Ángel Di María has been declared fully fit.

France are dealing with several illness cases as Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot, Kingsley Coman, Raphaël Varane, and Ibrahima Konaté are all doubtful.

Karim Benzema has recovered fully and is available to feature should Deschamps decide to call upon him. But the France boss is expected to rely on in-form Olivier Giroud instead.

Our Prediction

We foresee an Argentina win the final because France have been far from convincing as a defensive unit in Qatar. And the illness problems should tip the balance further towards the Latin Americans.

France have managed to outscore their opponents till now, but they could fall short against an on-song Argentina attack that boasts the likes of Messi, Álvarez, and Di María.

We say 2-1 to Argentina.

Date: 18 December

Kickoff: 8:30 PM IST

Venue: Lusail Iconic Stadium

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.