Crouchy’s Shouts: Lionel Messi to star in this 23/1 punt on Argentina v France

Will this finally be the one for the little dancer?

By / Football Tips, World Cup / 1 year ago

Crouchy was a Kylian Mbappe goal or assist away from a whopping 42/1 winner last Saturday night on England v France – thanks very much, Kyle Walker – though anyone shrewd enough to follow his five-leg Bet Builder still got a free bet as just one leg let you down.

Let’s see if he can go one better on Sunday’s final…  

Argentina v France Bet Builder Tips

  • Lionel Messi to score or assist
  • Olivier Giroud to have 1 or more shots on target
  • Antoine Griezmann to attempt 50 or more passes
  • Over 3.5 cards
  • Under 7.5 corners

*A Bet Builder on these selections adds up to 23/1 on PaddyPower.com – TAP HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP INSTANTLY

France are just ruthless and efficient. They just get the job done. They’re probably playing a bit within themselves, they’ve got more to give. That’s what makes them so dangerous.

You have to give huge credit to Didier Deschamps, you know, they could be on course to win back-to-back World Cups. They’ve got so much strength in depth as well.

You look at some of the players they’ve missed like Benzema, Kante, but they’ve still got strength in depth, they still look so strong.

Giroud is another player who probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. To become France’s all-time top-scorer is an incredible feat.

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Messi to Score or Assist

So they do have what it takes to get over the line, but they’re coming up against Leo Messi, so who could begrudge them if they came up short?

I think he’ll win it, I think he’s going to shine on Sunday.

And for Argentina to come back from the opening game disappointment against Saudi Arabia, it just shows a real character within the team. They’ve been under the massive pressure of their huge travelling support too.

They look like a real team, if you look at them when they’re together after the games, and Messi is the talisman. If he lifts the trophy, I think he’s the best we’ve ever seen and would expect him to show up in the final with a telling contribution.

Olivier Giroud to have 1+ shots on target

On the other hand, France have Mbappe, and I think there’s more to come from him. He’s so dangerous. He has five goals for the tournament, the leading scorer along with Messi.

And then there’s Olivier Giroud one behind too. He’s still such an underrated player and will be handful for Argentina’s defence on Sunday.

Antoine Griezmann to attempt 50+ passes

Antoine Griezmann’s been one of the stars for France too playing in a deeper role and pulling strings in midfield.

I’d expect to see more of that against Argentina.

Over 3.5 cards

I think this is going to be a really tight game. World Cup finals don’t tend to be massively open, but I do think there will be goals, and I think Argentina could nick it 2-1.

There should be a few cards as well. There haven’t been a lot of red cards, but refs have been comfortable handing out plenty of yellow cards at this tournament. I could see a bit of edge coming into the game if Argentina are losing especially – or even if they’re winning and trying to wind the clock down.

Under 7.5 corners

These aren’t teams that cross the ball a huge amount.

France have Giroud as a focal point but they don’t really pepper him with crosses and Argentina are all through Messi in the middle, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of corners in this.

Crouchy’s Argentina v France Bet Builder Tips

    • Lionel Messi to score or assist
    • Olivier Giroud to have 1 or more shots on target
    • Antoine Griezmann to attempt 50 or more passes
    • Over 3.5 cards
    • Under 7.5 corners

    *A Bet Builder on these selections adds up to 23/1 on PaddyPower.com – TAP HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP INSTANTLY

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    What do you think?