Dan’s Just Arsenal World Cup Predictions League is almost at an end after two incredibly tight semi-finals, with both places in the final decided on the second tiebreak.
Dan Smith also shares his predictions for the third-place play-off and Sunday’s World Cup final as Spain prepare to take on reigning champions Argentina.
World Cup Predictions League semi-final results
NT Gunnerz 0-0 J Knights
NT Gunnerz wins on the second tiebreak.
Stephanie 0-0 GB
Stephanie wins on the second tiebreak.
Final
NT Gunnerz vs Stephanie
Final predictions required
Both finalists need to submit predictions for:
- France vs England
- Spain vs Argentina
Remember: Predictions are for 90 minutes only, so if you think either match goes to extra time or penalties, predict a draw.
Scoring:
- 3 points for the correct scoreline
- 1 point for the correct result
Tiebreaks
- Most correct scorelines this round.
- Most correct scorelines throughout the World Cup.
- Highest finish in the original Just Arsenal domestic predictions table.
Predictions must be submitted before Saturday’s kick-off or they will not count.
I would suggest emailing me your predictions so neither finalist can predict tactically. Once Saturday’s match kicks off, I will reveal both sets of predictions in the comments.
Good luck!
Dan’s predictions
France 3-1 England
Very hard to predict because, as I write this, it is not clear how either manager will approach the bronze medal match.
While neither squad will publicly admit it, they would probably rather be heading home than playing on Saturday. That is why it would not be a surprise if some fringe players were given opportunities.
England, in particular, have had several players carrying niggles throughout the tournament, so it seems pointless for the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka or Reece James to start this weekend.
Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane may want to play because they remain in the race for the Golden Boot, although the England captain only has an outside chance of winning the award.
In many ways, Thomas Tuchel cannot win, regardless of how he approaches this fixture.
Sir Gareth Southgate was criticised for taking England deep into tournaments without having the tactical ability to get over the line. That is why the FA appointed Tuchel. Yet he did exactly what the previous regime did after taking a 1-0 lead in a semi-final by sitting back when there was no need.
If Southgate received criticism for that, it is only fair that his successor is judged by the same standards.
A bronze medal is not going to change that mood, although another defeat certainly will not help either.
I think, because this is Didier Deschamps’ final match as France manager, the French can make it a fitting send-off and celebrate a remarkable 14-year journey under their boss.
Spain 1-0 Argentina
Spain were my pick before the tournament started, and they showed on Tuesday exactly why.
Before a ball was kicked, I predicted their ability to dominate possession would be crucial in the hot conditions.
No nation has ever won the World Cup while conceding only one goal, yet it is not as though their goalkeeper or back four have had to be outstanding.
That comes back to the Spanish philosophy. If the opposition do not have the ball, they cannot hurt you.
So it would be foolish for me to change my opinion on the eve of the final.
At the same time, I do feel slightly silly writing off Argentina, who have spent the last month simply finding ways to survive.
Being English, I was gutted on Wednesday night, but the sporting fan in me could not help but respect the world champions.
One goal down, they never panicked, never doubted themselves and showed incredible spirit, while Lionel Messi, at 38 years old, is still the best player on the pitch.
That is why I will not listen to conspiracy theories or excuses.
I want younger readers to appreciate Messi.
Because whatever happens on Sunday, there will never be another like him.
Dan Smith
Do you agree with Dan’s predictions for the final weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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soz peeps forgot
Messi had his birthday during tournament so is now 39 !!!
incredible
The dark arts as it’s called has been a trade mark of the Argentinians since I first saw them in the 1966 World Cup. Whilst always seemingly reverting to type, cheating and thuggery, which give them their due, they are very good at, they undoubtedly possess players with immense talent plus Messy, by far the best player I’ve ever seen. Their final act of displaying that flag at the end of the game also shows that their players are ignorant of history. Viva Espana!
Argentina used “dark arts” but have some great, technically sound players. England were terrible in the last 30-40 minutes of the SF. The lack of confidence in the players and manager were remarkable. Great plays by Messi in the latter parts of the game but I still find it strange that he was given so much space. Even the likes of Madueke are never that kind of space yet England seemed to think that leaving Messi with such room to pick passes or make passes was an appropriate setup.
Argentina used “dark arts” but have some great, technically sound players. England were terrible in the last 30-40 minutes of the SF. The lack of confidence in the players and manager were remarkable. Great plays by Messi in the latter parts of the game but I still find it strange that he was given so much space. Even the likes of Madueke are never that kind of space yet England seemed to think that leaving Messi with such room to pick passes or make crosses was an appropriate setup.
Beautiful points discussed in the article. Well done you all in the predictions league. Si Vamos Espana!
Good luck to you Stephanie and NT Gunnerz.
Thanks GB
Appreciate 🙏🙏, GB.
The final game somehow interests the Arsenal hierarchy. Arsenal derby between Arteta Spain v Heinze Argentina. Together at pre season?
Now England are playing in the meaningless Bronze game, I know what I’d say to Tuchel if I were one of the players who hasn’t been used and is now picked for this game.
And the second word would be ……….OFF.
The unseen like Mainoo and Henderson embrace the opportunity.
No Henderson for this one, he got cleaned out by an advertising board in the Mexico game! 😀
Henderson has played in this tournament and can’t play tonight
Oh guys I was talking about the Palace goalie Henderson.
France 2-1 England
Spain 1-2 Argentina
Best of luck, stephanie
France 2 – 1 England
Spain 2 – 0 Argentina
Good Luck NT_ Gunnerz 🙂
Okay. I can safely say we got tonight’s match score a bit wrong. LOL
Amazed to see us up 4-0 at half time
Only wish Tuchel had brought on Saka against Argentina.
Hope Saka gets his hat-trick tonight
might yet get a France win lol
How could anyone not predict a 6-4 scoreline, it was so obvious.😂