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Before we get further into the dream World Cup final, let’s talk about how this tournament has united a people, from the five million Moroccan diaspora in Europe to all points in all parts of the world.
The Atlas Lions' performance, passion and persistence have been the most powerful story in twenty years of the FIFA World Cup, since Korea Republics Semi Final run in 2002.
The sound of Moroccan national pride, the piercing whistlers in red, white and green, is the most memorable soundtrack to the first-ever World Cup in the Arab region.
But it wasn’t enough to deny class in the semi-final at the Al Bayt stadium. Kylian Mbappe may not have added to his goal tally but his desire to do so created the opportunity for both of France's goals.
Moroccan captain Romain Saiss, stretchered off against Portugal, was patched up to start in the semi-final. It was a gamble that backfired spectacularly. Where the mind was willing his body clearly wasn’t.
After conceding in the first half, their heads did not drop for one second. What they were playing for was far greater than the ebb and flow of disappointment in a football match. It was a cause wrapped up in euphoria.
Even after going down 2-0 in the second half, they kept on pushing their limits. For Morocco there was honour in commitment and desire. The standing ovation received after full-time was a tribute to everything they have done for millions of people and the dreams and pride they shared.
France knew there would be moments to profit from, did they show enough to confirm favouritism for the final? I’m not so sure. As a centre-back replacement, Ibrahima Konate did well and for me is a safer bet than Dayot Upemecano who missed the semi-final with a virus.
France did miss the creativity of Adrien Rabiot alongside Aurelien Tchouamenie. His replacement Yousseff Fofana is more industrious than visionary and Didier Deschamps will be hoping the left-footed Rabiot will overcome his illness concerns to add another layer of attacking threat to the already influential Antoine Griezmann.
Kylian Mbappe is primed to deliver against Argentina. Four years ago, in the round of 16, he sliced through the Albiceleste in a half of overwhelming attacking football. This time around the wily Lionel Scaloni will be better prepared for his threat than the more open instinctive Jorge Sampaoli was in Kazan.
Likely opponent Nahuel Molina, who’s had a good tournament, will have to be at his very best and some. It’s one of many intriguing individual battles.
Up until the semi-finals nothing had come easily for Argentina at this World Cup.
It had been largely about toil plus Lionel Messi and there’s been no middle ground for their 35-year-old captain. Saunter or explode, from the benign to the genius in a matter of strides. More than any other tournament in his phenomenal career, Lionel has taken on a Diego-like persona and influence, commanding moments, and affecting outcomes.
This final has a captivating narrative. A player who has defined his generation facing another who threatens to do the same to his. Messi and Mbappe, master and heir apparent, both aware of their own greatness in different ways.
Argentina’s supporting cast comes in many layers. Julian Alvarez has been superb, flourishing alongside his boyhood hero. Rodrigo De Paul’s appetite for the grind is relentless and in Enzo Fernandez Argentina has a commanding midfielder with a passing range and eye for goal that perfectly complements what Scaloni is trying to achieve.
The goalkeepers on both sides have brought their best to Qatar. As Socceroos fans know all too well, Emi Martinez has stood up in the big moments, his personality has been galvanizing to the playing group. Hugo Lloris, in contrast, has a stealth-like manner but is no less determined. After a challenging club season with Spurs Lloris, like he so often does, he has saved his best for Didier Deschamps and France.
History awaits both teams in this captivating final. Will it be Messi’s defining moment or will Mbappe feed off the emotion and sentiment to impose his will? The outcome could well be determined by a higher force. As they say in these parts, Inshallah.
How to watch the Argentina v France final on SBS
Monday, December 19
Final - Argentina v France
1:00am - 5:00am (AEDT) - kickoff at 02.00am
LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand
