DOHA (Reuters) - After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close on Sunday when reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest.
Croatia edged Morocco 2-1 in Saturday's third-place playoff, an entertaining affair that served as a curtain-raiser to the main event where France stand in the way of Lionel Messi and his last chance of glory.
In the France dugout, coach Didier Deschamps has already taken his place among the sport's greats - as a player and a coach - but can go one step further by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back titles in the post-World War II era. The last time these two teams met was at the 2018 World Cup where France beat Argentina 4-3 in the last 16, an encounter that was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament in Russia.
The final will also see a clash of generational stars when 35-year-old Messi, playing in his final World Cup match, faces his 23-year-old Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe. Both players have scored five goals at the World Cup and could potentially leave Qatar with three trophies as they also vie for the Golden Boot for the top scorer as well as the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Soccer-Key match-ups in World Cup final between Argentina and FranceDOHA (Reuters) - Argentina and France meet in Sunday's World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Both countries are bidding for their third title with the French having the chance to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962.
Read more »
Soccer-Scaloni tight-lipped on Argentina lineup ahead of World Cup finalDOHA (Reuters) - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed about his likely line-up as he prepares to face holders France in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Read more »
Soccer-Floating midfielder Griezmann ready to sail France ship to World Cup titleDOHA (Reuters) - Less than two years ago, Antoine Griezmann was wandering around like a lost soul in La Liga after a tough time at Barcelona and a rough return to Atletico Madrid but on Sunday he could lay claim to being France's greatest player.
Read more »
INTERACTIVE: What you need to know about the World Cup finalistsArgentina and France will clash in the World Cup final. We take a closer look at which team could lift the trophy.
Read more »
France's foot soldier Griezmann pivotal on run to World Cup finalDOHA, Dec 17 ― That holders France are through to a second consecutive World Cup final is a little down to the goals of Kylian Mbappe, and a lot to the extraordinary...
Read more »