Argentina - France Report

Game Overview

The final game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup pitted Argentina against France, two teams with rich histories and talented rosters. Both teams had made it through a tough tournament, and were ready to give it their all in the hopes of being crowned world champions.

Weather And Pitch Conditions

Weather Conditions

The weather for the final game was hot and dry, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit). The heat and humidity were sure to be a factor in the match, with both teams needing to manage their energy levels and hydration.

Pitch Conditions

The pitch at the stadium was in good condition, with the grass well-maintained and providing a good surface for the players to play on. The pitch was not too hard or soft, and was expected to hold up well throughout the match. Overall, the weather and pitch conditions were suitable for an exciting and competitive final match.

Formations

Home Team

4-3-3

Argentina employed a 4-3-3 formation, with Messi playing in a free role just behind the center forward, Sergio Agüero. The team looked to build their attacks through the midfield trio of Paredes, González, and Rodrigo De Paul, with Di María and Dybala providing width on the wings. The defense was solid, with Otamendi and Pezzella commanding the center of the back four and wing backs Nicolás Tagliafico and Juan Foyth providing attacking support.

Argentina's team was led by their star player, forward Lionel Messi. Messi had been in top form throughout the tournament, scoring multiple goals and consistently creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. The Argentine defense was anchored by experienced center backs Nicolás Otamendi and Germán Pezzella, and was supported by the reliable goalkeeping of Franco Armani. In midfield, Leandro Paredes and Nicolás González provided energy and creativity, while Ángel Di María and Paulo Dybala offered pace and trickery on the wings.

Away Team

4-3-3

France lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Griezmann playing in the number 10 role behind center forward Mbappé. The team looked to use their midfield duo of Kanté and Pogba to control possession and create opportunities for the front four of Mbappé, Griezmann, and wingers Ousmane Dembélé and Kingsley Coman. The defense was strong and organized, with Varane and Hernández leading the back four.

France's team was equally talented, with a mix of young and experienced players. In goal, Hugo Lloris was a steady presence, while the defense was led by the physical presence of Raphaël Varane and the speed of Lucas Hernández. In midfield, N'Golo Kanté provided tireless defensive work and Paul Pogba contributed his technical ability and powerful shooting. Up front, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé were dangerous attacking threats, with Mbappé's pace causing problems for defenses throughout the tournament.

Home Team (Argentina) Linup

Coach

Linup

Bench

Away Team (Argentina) Linup

Coach

Linup

Bench

Home Team (Argentina) Set Play Analysis

Attacking

Argentina's set play strategy was built around the quality of their delivery and the movement of their attackers. The team had a number of players who were capable of putting in dangerous crosses or free kicks, including Messi, Di María, and Paredes. These players would look to find the runs of Argentina's attacking players, who would make well-timed runs into the box in search of goals.

In terms of defensive set plays, Argentina relied on the strength and aerial ability of their center backs, Otamendi and Pezzella, to win headers and clear the ball. The team also had a number of players who were adept at blocking shots and cutting out passes, including González and Paredes in midfield.

Overall, Argentina's set plays were a key part of their attacking arsenal, and they were able to create a number of good scoring chances through their delivery and movement.

Defensive

Argentina's defense was solid and organized throughout the tournament, and was a key part of their success. The team employed a back four of Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico, and Foyth, with Armani in goal. This defense was anchored by the experience and physicality of Otamendi and Pezzella, who provided a strong presence in the air and were strong in the tackle.

In midfield, Argentina looked to Paredes and González to provide cover and protection for the back four. Both players were diligent in their defensive duties, and were able to break up attacks and start counter-attacks with their passing and ball-winning abilities.

Overall, Argentina's defense was a key strength of the team, and they were able to keep a number of clean sheets throughout the tournament. The team was organized and disciplined, and was able to deal with the attacking threats of their opponents effectively.

Away Team (France) Set Play Analysis

Attacking

France's set play strategy centered around the quality of their delivery and the movement and aerial ability of their attacking players. The team had a number of players who were capable of putting in dangerous crosses or free kicks, including Griezmann, Pogba, and Dembélé. These players would look to find the runs of France's attacking players, who would make well-timed runs into the box or attack the ball in the air.

Defensive

Defensively, France relied on the aerial ability and strength of their center backs, Varane and Hernández, to win headers and clear the ball. The team also had a number of players who were adept at blocking shots and cutting out passes, including Kanté and Pogba in midfield.