FIFA World Cup 2022 final: Bookies torn between Argentina and France, offer close odds

NAGPUR: The clash of the titans, with two magical finishers vying for the golden boot, seems to have landed bookies in a quandary.
In 2018, France was clear ahead of Croatia but Sunday's final between Argentina and France at Qatar can turn ‘killer’ for the bookies who are offering close odds for both the teams.
According to an insider, local bookies are offering Rs 1.84 for an Argentina win and Rs 1.96 for France to lift the cup. The odds offered to anyone favouring a draw at the end of regulation and extra time is Rs 2.20.
One of the bookies, whose online odds had been altering fast as kick-off approaches, was on Saturday evening offering Rs 2.84 for an Argentina win and Rs 2.96 for France to successfully defend the title. As per a screenshot of the odds, shared by a punter, the bookie was offering Rs 3.20 for a draw.
As per the insider, Argentina has a slight edge over France to win the World Cup with the bookies favouring Lionel Messi's team with 97 paise odds as against Rs 1.02 for France.
According to a top bookie, if the match ends with a 2-0 or 3-1 result, the punters would not make much money. “If the match is evenly contested with the scorecard going topsy turvy, then the bookies will be facing heavy payouts which is most likely to be the scenario in the final now,” said the bookie who added that bets are yet to be placed in substantial amounts.
According to a seasoned bookie, defending champion France's chances of winning the cup for the third time is more with Kylian Mbappe clicking over Messi who will be playing his last World Cup match.
“Messi and Mbappe have scored five goals each but the Argentinian striker's three has come from penalties. As Mbappe could not score in the quarter and semi-final, he would be hungry now,” said the bookies explaining why France has a chance.
“Bookies are now hoping Messi fans would flood the bets and Mbappe to have the last laugh. In the 2018 final, Mbappe had scored one too,” he said.
Another punter, a Messi fan, said the Argentina striker had more assists than Mbappe in the ongoing tournament. “Messi will take Argentina home just like Maradona had done against Germany in 1986. This World Cup will be remembered for Messi,” he said.