Starting XIs: Di Maria starts for Argentina, usual suspects in for France

Angel Di Maria during training Argentina's training at Qatar University Training Site 3 in Doha, Qatar on December 17 2022. Di Maria has been included in the starting XI for Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.
Angel Di Maria during training Argentina's training at Qatar University Training Site 3 in Doha, Qatar on December 17 2022. Di Maria has been included in the starting XI for Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.
Image: Reuters/Carl Recine

Angel Di Maria is starting for Argentina in their World Cup final clash against France as coach Lionel Scaloni opted for a 4-3-3 formation on Sunday.

Di Maria, who has not started since the group phase and played only eight minutes in the quarterfinal victory against the Netherlands, is on the right flank of attack, with Lionel Messi set to become the player with most appearances at the World Cup finals (26).

France coach Didier Deschamps reverted to his preferred line-up after centre back Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot shook off a virus that had ruled them out of the semifinal against Morocco.

Upamecano starts alongside Raphael Varane after the Manchester United defender also recovered from a virus, while Olivier Giroud starts up front flanked by Kylian Mbappé on his left and Ousmane Dembele on his right.

World Cup final starting XIs

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi (captain), Julian Alvarez

France: Hugo Lloris (captain), Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé

 

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