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Live 2022 FIFA World Cup Live Blog: Odds moves, trader insight and more

49/1 Argentina win 2022 FIFA World Cup
Mbappe hat-trick (8) wins Golden Boot - one ahead of Lionel Messi (7)
Messi breaks all-time World Cup appearance record
Argentina win 4-2 on penalties after both teams scored in ET
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Sunday 18 December, 19:00

Betfair's World Cup 2022 in the books

Well, Lionel Messi picking up both the Golden Ball and the 2022 World Cup trophy completes football - nothing more is needed from a generation of footballers.

Messi has won it all, as the players wear a shirt with an added star to their Argentina jersey.

Betfair has been the home of the World Cup, and we hope you have enjoyed seeing all the best stories, tips and rolling live odds in our Live Blog - we have thoroughly enjoyed it.

The domestic football returns on Tuesday with the League Cup, and Betting.Betfair remains the home of all you best bets, tips and previews for the remainder of the season.

Goodnight!

Sunday 18 December, 18:09

Kylian Mbappe wins World Cup Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappe has collected the Golden Boot trophy with eight goals, pipping Lionel Messi by one.

He was second favourite at the start of the tournament behind only Harry Kane, and was the favourite throughout the World Cup until the semi-final stage.

He was matched at a high of 48.047/1 on the Exchange in-play, presumably when Messi made it 3-2, but he netted another penalty moments later.

Will it be enough to collect the Golden Ball, too? Or will Messi take that home. You could argue it both ways, but Messi was matched at 1.031/33 and Mbappe 1.618/13.

Sunday 18 December, 17:55

ARGENTNA win the 2022 World Cup

After the craziest World Cup final in the competition's history, ARGENTINA have won the 2022 FIFA World Cup on penalties.

That was mesmerising, addictive, and absolutely brilliant in all sorts of ways.

Keep your eyes on this Live Blog as we wrap up the best stories from Qatar, with Mbappe picking up the Golden Boot despite failing to see his country win the main trophy.

Lionel Messi won't care about that, he has his fairytale ending.

Sunday 18 December, 17:45

World Cup final heads to penalties

I can't breathe, and i doubt you can either - what a crazy game. Penalties it is.

Argentina were matched at 1.021/50 and as high as 20.019/1.

France were matched at 1.910/11 and as high as 50.049/1.

It all comes down to this.

Sunday 18 December, 17:36

HAT-TRICK HERO

Kylian Mbappe has become just the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Yet another penalty from France, this time for handball, and Mbappe has stepped up to the plate.

He now leads Messi in the Golden Boot market once more. I can't keep up.

Just head over to the Betfair Exchange for all your in-play prices.

Sunday 18 December, 17:29

MESSI MAKES IT 3-2!

GOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

Lionel Messi has done it again right when they needed him most to put Argentina back in front!

He's tucked away the rebound from a Lloris save to send this stadium into raptures.

Sunday 18 December, 17:22

Martinez misses two sitters!

He's only just on but Lautaro Martinez has just missed two glorious chances to win it for Argentina!

He's in bad form for his country and was dislodged from the starting XI by Julian Alvarez after only one game, but that was his moment, and he's missed it.

He's 11/1 to score in extra-time.

Sunday 18 December, 17:00

Messi matched at 1.03

It is full-time and we are now heading to extra-time. Kylian Mbappe has pulled his side back into the World Cup final and moved onto seven goals.

Lionel Messi was matched at 1.031/33 in both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball markets, with the Argentine now 5.04/1 and 1.412/5 respectively.

One more goal for Messi would secure the Golden Boot, even if it that comes in extra-time.

France were matched at a high of 50.049/1 to lift the trophy, and are now locked at 1.981/1 alongside Argentina, with the market now unable to seperate the two.

Wow.

Sunday 18 December, 16:44

Argentina 2-2 France

FRANCE HAVE SCORED TWICE IN TWO MINUTES

France have a penalty of their own and Kylian Mbappe has cooly dispatched it to bring France right back into this game from nowhere!

Otamendi made an error and fouled one of France's best players - Kolo Muani - was fouled.

Moments later, Lionel Messi was robbed and Kylian Mbappe played a one two and volleyed it home from the edge of the box - he has now taken over Messi in the Golden Boot market!

Matched as low as 1.031/33, Messi is out to 3.8514/5 to win the Golden Boot with Mbappe now 1.374/11.

I cannot believe it!

Sunday 18 December, 16:40

Argentina now 1.02

We are closing in on 1.011/100 territory here on Argentina as money begins to be traded at 1.021/50 on the Betfair Exchange.

They have managed the half really well, and while it might have killed the excitement a little for the neutral, i don't think the country of Argentina will care.

The 3-0 final scoreline is 4.94/1 if you think Argentina can grab another goal as France pile on the substitutes and the pressure, committing more men up-field.

Over £21million has been traded on the final.

#ARG backed into 1.91 favourites.

#FRA out to 2.08 to lift the trophy.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/73zxTu3wFR
? Betfair Exchange (@BetfairExchange) December 18, 2022

Sunday 18 December, 16:19

30 mins remain in World Cup final

Argentina have decided to cool things down since half-time are look like they are trying to kill the game with time tasting and slowing anything they can down.

No goalmouth action aside from an Alvarez strike that was saved by Lloris, though it looked like it was going wide to me.

Argentina down to 1.051/20 to lift the trophy now, the lowest they'v ever been matched at this tournament, with France now 17.5 and climbing.

Over on the Sportsbook, you can get 3/1 for Di Maria and Messi to combine for 4 or more shots on target, having had two between them so far (both goals).

Sunday 18 December, 15:52

Half-Time: Argentina 2-0 France

It is half-time in the 2022 World Cup final and it has been dominated by Argentina.

France have struggled immensely with second balls, tackles, and have not matched their counterparts in any department.

Lionel Messi has been good but Angel Di Maria has been superb over on the left hand side and poor Joules Kounde has really struggled.

Can France 36.035/1 mount a second half comeback? The 3-2 is trading at 48.047/1.

Sunday 18 December, 15:42

France make double change after 40 mins

Wow.

You don't see that very often, but manager Didier Deschamps has made a double substitution before half-time and it is Dembele and Giroud who have been hooked off.

They didn't seem to be injured, so that really is a surprising move, though France really have underperformed.

Both Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani have come on.

Sunday 18 December, 15:33

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT

GOOOOOOOOAL! It is now 2-0 to Argentina and that could well be the goal of the World Cup so far.

An absolutely brilliant team goal as Argentina really take one huge stride toward the trophy.

Angel Di Maria finished off a superb one touch goal and you have to say that is thoroughly deserved.

They are now 1.071/14 to lift the trophy having been matched as high as 20.019/1.

There is only one team in this match.

Sunday 18 December, 15:26

Even. More. History.

1 - Lionel Messi is the first player to score in the group stage, round of 16, quater-final, semi-final and final in a single edition of the World Cup. Prestige. pic.twitter.com/jnisNEa8F5
? OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 18, 2022

Sunday 18 December, 15:21

GOAL! Argentina 1-0 France

LIONEL MESSI SCORES!

It is yet another penalty from Lionel Messi, a very soft one, but WILL HE CARE!?

Di Maria went down under a challenge from Dembele and gave Messi the chance, and he was as cool as you like!

Betfair will pay out on the Di Maria assist, too!

Messi is now as short as 1.111/9 to win the Golden Boot and 1.051/20 for the Golden Ball.

Is this the fairytale ending everyone was after?

Sunday 18 December, 15:15

Argentina 0-0 France

15 minutes in and we've no goals yet but one team has started much brighter than the other and that is Argentina.

France keep misplacing the ball and Argentina are looking dangerous - Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria are causing real issues.

France have moved out to 3.55/2 on the Exchange following this start with Argentina 2.56/4.

I'd be looking at a Di Maria assist too, who is constantly getting in behind - he is available at 16/5 on the Sportsbook.

Sunday 18 December, 14:52

One Last Dance...

One final reminder of our tipped up Bet Builders for the 2022 World Cup final

Back 'either team to win in ET, under 2.5 goals & Argentina 2+ cards' @ 17/1

Back 'Messi to score & assist, to have 2+ shots on target & commit 1+ fouls' @ 17/1

Back 'France to win in 90 mins & Mbappe to score 2+ goals' @ 21/1

Back 'France to win, Giroud to score, Dembele to assist & Griezmann to score or assist' @ 27/1

Back 'Argentina lift trophy, Romero & Otamendi carded, Alvarez to score' @ 55/1

Sunday 18 December, 14:40

Messi breaks one more record

Another record tumbles for Messi...

26 - Lionel Messi is set to become the all-time record holder for most games played at the World Cup (26). Enduring. pic.twitter.com/WmDnXp6h6n
? OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 18, 2022

Sunday 18 December, 13:30

Argentina v France XIs

Here are your starting XIs for today's World Cup final.

Argentina XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez

France XI: Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Hernandez, Griezmann, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Giroud, Mbappe

Now we know the teams, here are the Betfair OddsBoosts to bet on:

Griezmann & Alvarez to have 1+ shots on target @ 5/2 (was 2/1)

Olivier Giroud to have 1+ headed shots on target @ 3/1 (was 5/2)

Messi & Mbappe to have 2+ shots on target each @ 7/1 (was 11/2)

Lionel Messi to score & assist @ 8/1 (was 6/1)

Both Otamendi & Romero to be shown a card @ 10/1 (was 8/1)

Alvarez to score via a Messi assist @ 11/1 (was 9/1)

Sunday 18 December, 13:00

Argentina v France: Superstars to shine in 3/1 Bet Builder

The World Cup Final will feature two of the sport's most recognisable figures, and Kevin Hatchard thinks both will have an impact.

Sunday 18 December, 12:14

World Cup Final Opta Stats

Mike Norman has evaluated the Opta stats ahead of the World Cup final, pulling at a few different threads from the patterns that have emerged through this World Cup - read his piece here.

Here are the six bets picked out:

History is on France's side - back them to win the World Cup @ 1.981/1
Messi will be a record breaker regardless - back him to score anytime @ 2.982/1
Griezmann tops the chances created charts in Qatar - back him to assist anytime @ 11/4.
Mbappe has already scored in one World Cup final - back him to create history and do so again, by scoring first @ 6/1
Messi & Mbappe have lit up this World Cup with their ball carrying ability - Back them to combine for 2+ assists in the final @ 10/1
Back this 21/1 Bet Builder here

Sunday 18 December, 11:30

Five Bet Builders from 17/1 to 55/1

Paul Higham has been our resident Bet Builder tipster during this World Cup, with multiple winners throughout the tournament.

His biggest win so far was a 17/1 shout, so we go into the World Cup final looking to at least match those odds. Read his piece here for all his tips.

Back 'either team to win in ET, under 2.5 goals & Argentina 2+ cards' @ 17/1

Back 'Messi to score & assist, to have 2+ shots on target & commit 1+ fouls' @ 17/1

Back 'France to win in 90 mins & Mbappe to score 2+ goals' @ 21/1

Back 'France to win, Giroud to score, Dembele to assist & Griezmann to score or assist' @ 27/1

Back 'Argentina lift trophy, Romero & Otamendi carded, Alvarez to score' @ 55/1

Sunday 18 December, 10:55

Southgate staying on as England manager

Away from the World Cup final, the FA has confirmed Gareth Southgate has decided to stay on as England manager until after EURO 2024.

Speculation has been rife since England lost to France last week, with Southgate himself declaring he needed time to take stock of his future.

However we already have the clarity the FA would have wanted, with many of the players said to be happy following a rallying cry for Southgate to stay on.

Despite the news, you can still back who the next England manager may be on Betfair, with Graham Potter still the 4/1 favourite for the job.

Sunday 18 December, 10:40

Betting.Betfair's Editors Final Bets

The Betting.Betfair editors were tasked with finding a winner for the World Cup final following a couple of successful bets at the semi-final stage, most notably a 6/1 winner involving Lionel Messi.

Messi is 8/1 to score and assist this afternoon if you want to same bet once more.

Here are the selections ahead of the match:

Sean Taylor Says: Back Argentina @ 2.8815/8 on the Exchange.

Mike Norman Says: Back Argentina/Lionel Messi in World Cup Winner/Golden Boot Winner market @ 2.915/8.

Alex Boyes Says: Back both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to have 1+ left footed shots on target each @ 4/1

Joe Dyer Says: Back Messi & Mbappe for 2 or more goals or assists @ 7/4

Max Liu Says: Max Liu - Back France/Olivier Giroud for Winner/Golden Boot @ 32.031/1.

To find all of their rhyme and reason as to why, read the piece here!

Sunday 18 December, 10:00

Betfair Exchange Highs

Heading into the final, Argentina are 1.9420/21 to lift the trophy, marginal favourites in front of France 2.0421/20.

That was not always the case, though, as Mike Norman tells us as he wades through all the best prices matched through the tournament.

Argentina were backed at 20.019/1 - probably following their defeat to Saudi Arabia - whilst France were matched at a high of 11.010/1.

Who goes home with the highly coveted Golden Boot award is still to be decided and will almost certainly be won by either Lionel Messi (currently on 5 goals), Kylian Mbappe (5), Olivier Giroud (4) or Julian Alvarez (4).

But whatever happens from here you're having a great run for you money with plenty of chances to lock in a decent profit if you backed Giroud at 1000.0, and to a slightly lesser extent, Alvarez at 690.0.

And you're also in a great position if you backed Messi at 28.0 or Mbappe at 25.0 given their current odds of 1.83 and 2.64 respectively.

Sunday 18 December, 09:00

World Cup Final Day!

Good morning!

Exactly 28 days after Qatar kicked off this World Cup with a 0-2 defeat to Ecuador, we have reached the World Cup final, between Argentina and France.

63 games down and one to go with just two teams left to see who will be crownded the World Champions.

Either way, we will see some history this afternoon. France could become the first time back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1962, whilst Lionel Messi is set to break the all-time appearance record by playing in his 26th match in World cup finals - moving one clear of Lothar Matthuas.

We've a whole range of content ahead of the game, and let's kick things off with some reading from the Betfair Exchange.

Saturday 17 December, 16:53

Full-Time: Croatia finish third at 2022 World Cup

Croatia have beaten Morocco 2-1 inside 90 minutes to cap off their 2022 World Cup with a third place finish.

Morocco, who have had an amazing tournament, finish fourth as the first African nation ever to reach the final four. They are one of the teams of the competition without a doubt.

Croatia back up their runners-up medal in 2018 with the bronze in 2022, a magical story in itself.

All eyes now turn to the 2022 World Cup final beteen Argentina & France.

Both sides are 10/11 to lift the trophy as the markets cannot seperate the two teams.

Betting.Betfair has a whole host of content on site now for you to read and take advantage of some serious odds on offer.

Read those articles within this feed from now until KO.

Saturday 17 December, 16:22

30 minutes to go...

The second half has not quite lived up to the first and we now have just under 30 minutes left to find out who will finish as the third place winner at the 2022 World Cup.

Can Morocco find two goals to win this match inside 90 minutes? Well they are 24.023/1 to do so and have been matched at a high of 28.027/1 to do so.

Croatia's price continutes to tumble - now 1.251/4 - and Bruno Petkovic has just come on - he's 8.07/1 to score anytime in the final part of this match.

Saturday 17 December, 15:46

Half-Time: Croatia 2-1 Morocco

Orsic's goal just before half-time was the last meaningful action of the first half with Croatia taking a 2-1 lead into the break.

Looking at some of the in-play OddsBoosts, Sofyan Amrabat - who has committed one foul so far, is 6/1 to be carded.

You can back Croatia to win, Croatia to end with the most corners and Morocco to end with the most cards is 8/1. (currently both sides have had two corners each)

Saturday 17 December, 15:42

Croatia 2-1 Morocco

OH YOU BEAUTY!

That is a superb goal from Mislav Orsic who bends one in off the far post just out of the reach of 'keeper Bono.

It's one of those where you shapre up to shoot and everyone knows where you're going, but stopping it is another task that Morocco were unable to do.

Orsic hasn'e featured too often at this tournament but there's a reminder of the ability he posseses.

Croatia are all the way in to 1.42/5 to win inside 90 minutes, with Morocco out to 10.519/2.

If you think Morocco could still force this game all the way to extra-time, you can back them at 5.14/1 to be the third place winner.

Saturday 17 December, 15:08

Croatia 1-1 Morocco

I didn't even get chance to type up Croatia's opening goal before Morocco had equalised! We've had two goals in two minutes!

An electric start to this game brought us a great well-worked goal from Josko Gvardiol netting a diving header, only for Morocco and Achraf Dari to equalise from their own set-piece.

We've had two goals from two headers inside the first nine minutes.

Croatia remain the favourites at 2.35/4 on the Betfair Exchange with Morocco priced at 3.412/5.

Speaking of the goalscorer Gvardiol however, he immediately fouled Ziyech which is where the equaliser came from, and that means he's definitely a shout for a yellow card.

You can back that at 5.04/1.

Saturday 17 December, 14:30

The teams are in!

Croatia XI: Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Orsic, Majer, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic, Livaja, Kramaric

Morocco XI: Bono, Attiat-Allah, El Yamiq, Dari, Hakimi, Amrabat, El Khannous, Sabiri, Boufal, En Nesyri, Ziyech

Betfair Odds-Boosts:

Perisic to have 1+ shots on target from outside the box @10/3

Andrej Kramaric to have 1 or more shots on target in each half @ 6/1

Youssef En-Nesyri to score a header @ 10/1

Luka Modric & Sofyan Amrabat each to be carded @ 25/1

Saturday 17 December, 13:30

Betting on the 3/4 play-off?

It certainly isn't the World Cup final, but it's still a huge game in Qatar as the penultimate match kicks off at 3pm between Croatia and Morocco.

These sides have already met at this World Cup, playing out a 0-0 draw in both side's opening group game a few weeks ago.

Morocco will become the highest placed African side regardless of the result, whilst Croatia are finishing in the top four in back-to-back World Cups which is a superb achievement.

Betfair has some amazing betting articles, tips and Bet Builders ahead of this game over on the World Cup HUB, so follow the link to read those pieces.

Until then, here's a sneak peek:

Max Liu says: Back Croatia & under 1.5 goals @ 7/1

To elevate those odds even further, include the draw at HT and Croatia to win by 1 goal @ 10/1

We've also digested the Opta facts for this one and we've another 7/1 Bet Builder for you - read that article here.

Back Croatia to finish third, Over 2.5 Goals, BTTS & Perisic to score @ 7/1

Saturday 17 December, 11:55

Croatia v Morocco: David v David is a cautious clash

It's the World Cup's bronze medal match, and Kev thinks it'll mean more than usual this time around.

Wednesday 14 December, 20:54

France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach World Cup final

France are into Sunday's World Cup final after beating Morocco 2-0 in tonight's semi-final.

Didier Deschamps' men will play Argentina in the final thanks to goals from defender Theo Hernandez - matched at 40.039/1 to score first - and substitute Randal Kolo Muani - matched at 16.015/1 to score anytime.

The 2-0 Correct Score was matched at 8.27/1.

Wednesday 14 December, 20:38

GOAL: France 2 Morocco 0

France have somehow rode the wave of Moroccan pressure, and that should seal their World Cup final place against Argentina.

Randal Kolo Muani had been on the pitch literally seconds before tapping home at the far post. He was matched at a high of 16.015/1 to score anytime.

Wednesday 14 December, 20:21

France still lead but it's all Morocco

You would never think that France are the world champions and Morocco 1000.0 outsiders to win the World Cup at the start of the tournament.

There was a sense that France were in control of this game but the last 10 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half have all belonged to Morocco.

They certainly have spirit and fight, but they need an equaliser.

France were cruising and matched at 1.182/11 35 minutes into this game. They're now 1.282/7 to win, emthasising the dominance Morocco currently have.

Click here to be directed straight to the Match Odds market.

Wednesday 14 December, 19:49

HALF TIME: France 1 Morocco 0

Despite a late scare in the first half with Morocoo hitting the post, It feels like France are in total control of this game and are just waiting for their opponents to tire even more in the second half before putting the game to bed.

But while it's still 1-0 the Atlas Lions will feel that they are very much in this semi-final.

But the facts are that they're a goal down, they've lost two of their initial starting XI - two key defenders - to inury, and Les Bleus don't look like they've come out of second gear yet.

The 1-0 Half Time Score was matched at 4.3100/30, and France are now 1.222/9 favouries to win the game.

Click here to be directed straight to the Match Odds market.