‘Argentina will beat France if…’

In what is likely to be Messi’s final world cup participation, Klinsmann believes Argentina are the favourites if they can control their emotions. He thinks the Albicelestes are aware of how close they have been to winning the competition altogether.

“I think it comes down a little bit to their emotional factor. If Argentina can balance their emotions – their expectations are through the roof – and in the beginning of the tournament they failed to deal with it and they were nervous against Mexico,” Klinsmann told BBC One.

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“If Argentina can balance the emotional side out, they are so hungry for this title. If they’re capable, they’re my favourites.”

Klinsmann heads up FIFA’s technical study group and will be present at the Lusail Stadium in the final encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Alvarez has to do the defensive work, as per Klinsmann, they let Messi “breathe for the special moments”.

Also Read: Argentina vs France final match prediction

While most of the big superstars have delivered in this tournament, Messi would likely be chosen by most people if they had to pick one special player from the competition, said the former German player.

For the purpose of entertainment, Klinsmann believes the contest needs to have an early goal. As both sides take a similar tactic, they respond to events with excellent reflexes and then counter-break at breakneck speed. Who takes more chances first will be interesting to watch, as per the former US manager, they will initially neutralise one another since nobody wants to get too high.

Also Read: Messi is playing like a 20-year-old: Gabriel Batistuta

The Argentina vs France match will be played on December 18 at 08:30 PM (Indian time). It will be broadcast live on the Sports18 and Sports18 HD TV channels in India and Jio Cinema’s app and website will both offer free live streaming of the event.