World Cup 2022 LIVE: Kylian Mbappe vs Lionel Messi final showdown edges closer as Morocco face Croatia for third place | The Sun
IT WILL be Argentina vs France in the World Cup final and what a game it promises to be.
This means the battle of Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe in the HUGE showpiece final on Sunday afternoon.
France reached the final after defeating Morocco 2-0 in their crunch semi-final.
In the third-placed play-off, we will see the two underdogs of the competition face off as Morocco take on France.
- Argentina vs France – World Cup final time and TV info
- Croatia vs Morocco – World Cup play-off time and TV info
World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
- Kostas Lianos
More on McClaren lookalike
Steve McClaren admitted that going viral also led to some instances of hateful comments.
He bravely added: "To begin with, when I went online to look at the sites there was some trolling, some nasty comments.
"To be honest, people are people and I think there's d***s out there. You know, there's always going to be haters.
"As I mentioned before, I am not on social media so I don't I see this stuff really.
"I mentioned that people were sending me clips, sending me things. It's friends and they're only sending the good stuff. So, after the first day or so, I just learn to ignore it"
- Kostas Lianos
Steve McClaren lookalike
An England fan who went viral online at the 2022 World Cup has revealed he "can barely go 10 paces without being stopped" in Qatar.
The supporter, who has been compared to Manchester United assistant coach Steve McLaren, initially shot to social media fame during the Three Lions' Last-16 clash with Senegal.
And he was back cheering for Gareth Southgate's men during the quarter-final defeat to France.
He told JOE: "I can barely go 10 paces without being stopped, and the vast majority of these people weren't from the UK, there's different people from all over the world.
"It was after the Senegal match, really. I do no social media myself, I don't have anything at all. It's just being sent screenshots from other people, they send me clips, and those increased in regularity.
"So, I wake up in the morning and I've got 30 people having contact with me, so yeah, it became pretty apparent"
- Kostas Lianos
Croatia vs Morocco preview
Croatia and Morocco are set to face off in the 2022 World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic may be without Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic, who suffered a muscle problem in the semi-finals against Argentina.
RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol also needed injections to play through the pain against Lionel Messi and co.
Dalic has stated he won't risk any players that aren't 100 per cent fit in the weekend.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui, on the other hand, will have to wait on West Ham's Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui and Roman Saiss' fitness
Credit: Getty
- Kostas Lianos
Final getting close
The 2022 World Cup Final is upon us as Argentina and France are set to lock horns this Sunday at the Lusail Stadium.
Lionel Messi will be looking to win his first ever World Cup, the only title that has been eluding the Argentine captain throughout his illustrious career.
But Messi's Paris Saint-Germain star team-mate Kylian Mbappe will be looking to make history of his own.
Mbappe is determined to make France only the third nation to in back-to-back World Cup trophies after Italy and Brazil
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning footy fans!
Gareth Southgate will be given the Christmas break to decide if he wants to stay on as England boss.
But the FA high command remains desperate for Southgate to see out his contract and take the Three Lions through to Euro 2024.
Wembley chiefs recognise that Southgate is mentally and emotionally drained after England’s run to the quarter-finals.
And despite some carping from outside the England camp, nobody within the Wembley set-up wants change at the top now.
Onto this weekend's showcase finale… Messi has openly admitted the final will be his last ever World Cup game.
But while there is a 12-year age gap between Messi, 35, and Mbappe, 23, there has been little to separate them at this World Cup.
We’re set for the mother of all subplots in the World Cup final as the pair fight over the golden boot.
Lionel Messi and the rest of Argentina’s starting line-up were absent from training on Thursday amid concerns over their talisman’s fitness.
The 35-year-old was seen clutching his hamstring several times during the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
It has led Argentina fans to become increasingly concerned about Messi‘s condition ahead of their World Cup final against France on Sunday.
But Messi’s non-appearance at training should not raise alarm bells as manager Lionel Scaloni gave all the starting XI from the semi-final the day off.
France were pictured wildly celebrating in their dressing room after reaching the World Cup final.
After the semi-final win over Morocco, Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni led the celebrations as they danced on the table.
Man of the Match Antoine Griezmann also went for a slide across the table following the victory.
Lautaro Martinez’s partner reportedly had to go to hospital after finding glass in her drink at a club.
Agustina Gandolfo was out celebrating her fella reaching the World Cup final, where they face France on Sunday.
Security were called to the incident, which occurred on Tuesday after Argentina had defeated Croatia in the semi-final.
Augustina went out with her sister and her sibling’s partner in a shopping mall located in Doha, according to numerous reports.
However, while drinking, the group reportedly found pieces of glass inside the bottle.
The referee that will officiate the 2022 World Cup Final between Argentina and France has been revealed.
It will be Polish ref Szymon Marciniak who will be calling the mega clash at the Lusail Stadium this Sunday.
- Alex Cole
More Argentina team news
Squad players Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala – both of whom came on as second half substitutes against Croatia – were present at training.
Papu Gomez is nursing a sprained ankle and remains a doubt for the final, while Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will return from suspension.
But it is Messi that every Argentine is hanging their hopes on heading into the France game.
The Barcelona legend has been in scintillating form for his country, contributing five goals and three assists in their six World Cup games.
But more than his goal contributions, he has been talismanic in everything Argentina have done at the tournament as he bids to win the trophy on his fifth and final attempt.
- Alex Cole
Messi rested for training
Lionel Messi and the rest of Argentina's starting line-up were absent from training on Thursday amid concerns over their talisman's fitness.
The 35-year-old was seen clutching his hamstring several times during the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
It has led Argentina fans to become increasingly concerned about Messi's condition ahead of their World Cup final against France on Sunday.
But Messi's non-appearance at training should not raise alarm bells as manager Lionel Scaloni gave all the starting XI from the semi-final the day off.
Foot Mercato are reporting that Messi is experiencing discomfort in his hamstring, although he is widely considered to be fit.
- Alex Cole
Solbakken slams 'stupid' Wenger
Many issues around Qatar had been discussed before and continued throughout the competition, namely the treatment of migrant workers, the LGBTQ community, and human rights abuses.
Now Norway head coach Solbakken, whose country categorically opposed the Qatar tournament even before they failed to qualify, has slammed ex-Arsenal boss Wenger's decision to support the event.
Speaking to Norwegian channel TV 2, he said: "It shudders to see that the smartest man in the world, Arsene Wenger, who has been looked up to over the years, has somehow been brainwashed and is now making the most stupid statements.
"It's scary with all the people we've looked up to in the football world for years.
"There's a polarisation going on right now, and I'm afraid it's going to get worse."
- Alex Cole
Wenger's claim
Mindless Wenger said: "You know when you go to a World Cup, you know you can't lose the first game.
"The teams who have the experience to perform in tournaments like France and England played well in the first game.'
"The teams who were mentally ready, with a mindset to focus on competition, and not the political demonstrations."
- Alex Cole
Wenger labelled 'stupid' after bold statements
Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger has been "brainwashed" into making "stupid statements" since joining Fifa, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken.
The Gunners legend, 73, who joined football's world governing body in 2019, is currently the organisation's head of global development.
He hit the headlines during the World Cup for claiming the teams that had focused on football over politics had fared better on the pitch.
This was viewed as a pointed dig at Germany and Denmark – who were vocal in their opposition of the competition going to Qatar and subsequently lost their first game.
They both went on to exit the tournament in the group stage.
- Alex Cole
What did Becks say?
A spokesperson for Beckham: “David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world.
"Football, the most popular sport globally, has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities.
"We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.
"We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved.”
- Alex Cole
Becks defends himself from Lycett jibe
David Beckham claims the Qatar World Cup "has the power to be a force for good" after defending his £150million deal to be the face of the finals.
The ex-England captain broke his silence on Thursday in response to being called out by comedian Joe Lycett.
Lycett protested against Beckham's £15million-a-year agreement to be an ambassador for the emirate.
He went viral for his money-shredding stunt last month after he issued an ultimatum to Beckham for the Qatar deal, where homosexuality is illegal.
If Beckham did not pull out of the deal, Lycett said he would shred £10,000.
It was later revealed that Lycett had in fact donated it to an LGBTQ+ charity.
- Alex Cole
How Prem teams will need to plan for World Cup final
Argentina are one game away from winning the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
And Premier League fans will be delighted for the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister if it happens.
But such a result could open up a huge club vs country row as the season prepares to restart.
With the Premier League returning on Boxing Day, players will theoretically be expected back in time to train and prepare for the matches.
However, it will be hard for Argentina's stars to resist a diversion via Buenos Aires for the mother of all celebrations.
Man Utd (Martinez), Brighton (Mac Allister), Tottenham (Romero), Aston Villa (Emi Martinez) and Manchester City (Julian Alvarez) could all be affected by this.
Premier League clubs would also be affected by a France victory and a parade in Paris involving Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate, Alphonse Areola and William Saliba.
- Alex Cole
FA want Southgate to stay
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and chair Debbie Hewitt went public in their desire for Southgate to stay on in the immediate aftermath of the last eight exit.
And another powerbroker, former Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein added his opinion as he said: “In my opinion Gareth should stay.
“The FA think the same, they want him to stay.
“He may decide he can’t take the team any further and he may be right.
“But even then I’d like him to stay in some capacity. Because I think he’s a decent man.”
Dein, who will have been to 58 of the 64 World Cup matches by the end of the tournament, added: “Qatar have won a lot of friends because of this World Cup and the way it has been handled.
“If you ask the fans and you ask the players have they enjoyed it, yes they have. And we have to ask ourselves, what is football without fans?
“This has been a unique experience.
“I am hoping it will change the Qataris, too. Qatar will benefit from this going forward. I hope so. That should be a legacy for them.”
- Alex Cole
Mulling over mulled wine
Gareth Southgate will be given the Christmas break to decide if he wants to stay on as England boss.
But the FA high command remains desperate for Southgate to see out his contract and take the Three Lions through to Euro 2024.
Wembley chiefs recognise that Southgate is mentally and emotionally drained after England’s run to the quarter-finals.
And despite some carping from outside the England camp, nobody within the Wembley set-up wants change at the top now.
The hope within the FA is that Southgate will take time to reflect on what has happened over the past few weeks and feel he does have the appetite and desire to return for a further 18 months at the England helm.
At the same time, there is an understanding that Southgate deserves space to recharge his batteries with his family and ponder whether he has the energy to put himself through the wringer one last time.
With the Christmas break looming, it means the FA anticipate sitting down with Southgate early in the New Year so that a prompt decision can then be made by all parties.
- Alex Cole
Final ref announced
The referee that will officiate the 2022 World Cup Final between Argentina and France has been revealed.
It will be Polish ref Szymon Marciniak who will be calling the mega clash at the Lusail Stadium this Sunday.
According to Sports Center, FIFA referee chairman Pierluigi Collina has picked Marciniak as the man for the tournament's big match.
That is after the 41-year-old's strong performances refereeing both finalists in the World Cup's earlier stages.
- Alex Cole
Superstar head-to-head
Messi has openly admitted the final will be his last ever World Cup game.
But while there is a 12-year age gap between Messi, 35, and Mbappe, 23, there has been little to separate them at this World Cup.
Or over the last two World Cups for that matter.
Mbappe’s stats don’t go back any further than that, while the current tournament in Qatar is Messi’s FIFTH time on football’s greatest stage.
Although, despite playing 12 less games at the World Cup, Mbappe has only scored TWO fewer goals than Messi.
- Alex Cole
More snaps from Les Bleus party
The party didn't stop there however, as the team continued their celebrations when they returned to the hotel.
There, adoring fans and hotel staff greeted them following the victory.
In the final, they take on Argentina as they look to deny Lionel Messi the World Cup he has been craving.
- Alex Cole
Inside wild French dressing room party
France were pictured wildly celebrating in their dressing room after reaching the World Cup final.
Les Bleus were 2-0 winners over Morocco thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
That result means they have the chance to become the first back-to-back world champions since Brazil in 1962.
And after the match, Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni led the celebrations as they danced on the table.
Man of the Match Antoine Griezmann also went for a slide across the table following the victory.
In addition, a number of old friends were invited to join the team such as 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi.
- Alex Cole
Scary incident for Argentina striker and partner
Lautaro Martinez's partner reportedly had to go to hospital after finding glass in her drink at a club.
Agustina Gandolfo was out celebrating her fella reaching the World Cup final, where they face France on Sunday.
Security were called in to the incident, which occurred on Tuesday after Argentina had defeated Croatia in the semi-final.
Augustina went out with her sister and her sibling’s partner in a shopping mall located in Doha, according to numerous reports.
However, while drinking, the group reportedly found pieces of glass inside the bottle.
They instantly alerted security and decided to head to hospital to make sure they were all safe while also visiting the Argentine embassy to enquire about Qatar’s healthcare system.
- Kiro Evans
A Fixture full of History
France and Argentina played out the best game of 2018 World Cup as the European side beat their South American rivals 4-3 in a thrilling quarter-final clash.
If Sunday's final is anything close to that classic, fans are in for a treat.
The pair first played each other in the first World Cup of 1930 with Argentina running out 1-0 winners.
They made it two wins from two as they beat the French again in the 1978 World Cup, a tournament that Argentina hosted.
With Lionel Messi looking to win his first World Cup and France aiming to become the first European side to win the trophy back-to-back since 1938, it's all to play for.
- Kiro Evans
Parlour Games
Ex-Arsenal ace Ray Parlour believes the Gunners should go after Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat.
The 26-year-old – labelled the best midfielder at the tournament by the French President – has seen his stock rise as the African nation got all the way to the semi-finals.
Parlour told TalkSport: "Amrabet, I tell you he’s a player. If I was Arsenal, I’d be looking at him. Central midfield, he can get his foot in. Very good player."
- Kiro Evans
So Close
Morocco defender Jawad El Yamiq almost wrote himself into World Cup history last night.
The defender pulled off an extraordinary overhead kick to nearly equalise against France in the first-half.
It would have been one of those goals we're talking about years later – but he was cruelly denied by the post.
Jawad El Yamiq almost pulled off a goal of the tournament contender - Kiro Evans
Calling for Karim
French manager Didier Deschamps refused to be drawn on whether Karim Benzema could be back for the World Cup final.
The Real Madrid striker has missed the tournament with injury but reports indicate he could be fit and ready to go for Sunday.
Asked whether Benzema could return the squad after last night's win over Morocco, Deschamps groaned before saying: "I don't really want to answer that question.
"Next question. I do apologise."
- Kiro Evans
Done in 60 seconds
Randal Kolo Muani came off the bench to score France's elusive second goal yesterday within 44 seconds of his introduction.
It's the Eintracht Frankfurt striker's first goal for his country and helped them see off Morocco in the World Cup semi-final.
And the shocked joy on his face is arguably one of the images of the tournament.
France's Randal Kolo Muani was a happy man after making it 2-0 last night
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