Bongokuhle Hlongwane reveals his World Cup final prediction 

Bafana Bafana and Minnesota United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has explained why he believes Argentina will dethrone France and win the 2022 FIFA World Cup when the two nations meet in the final.

Argentina will take on the defending champions France at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday afternoon with kick-off set for 17:00 [SA time].

Didier Deschamps’ charges will be hoping to become the first nation to win the World Cup back-to-back in 60 years. 

Brazil are the first country to have won the World Cup two times in a row, having done that back in 1958 and 1962. 

However, Hlongwane believes that France won’t be able to defend their title as Argentina have looked strong and impressive in their World Cup journey despite losing their first game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia. 

And how Lionel Scaloni’s troops have recovered since their loss to Saudi Arabia has been one of the best turnarounds in the prestigious tournament.

BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE BACKS ARGENTINA….

“For me, I think Argentina will win it because I have watched their games and they are playing much better compared to France,” Hlongwane told FARPost.

“If you could watch France’s previous games, you can definitely pick up that they are not playing good football but they have somehow managed to be in the final.”

HOW INJURIES MIGHT HAVE AFFECTED FRANCE’S PLAY…

The ex-Maritzburg United frontman also explained how the injuries might have affected France’s play even though they have managed to cruise their way into the World Cup finals.

The players who found themselves being ruled out of the tournament all together include the likes of Lucas Hernandez, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku.

He also went on to single out the brilliance of central midfielder Andrien Rabiot and defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who were called as replacements for some of the injured France players.

“I think some of the guys like Andrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who were called because they had to replace those big players have impressed so far,” added the 22-year-old forward.

“For them, is a huge role for them. However, they won’t be on the same level as the players who were ruled out due to injuries but they are playing well.

“But with all being said, I wish Argentina to win the World Cup.”

RELATED STORY: ‘I’m happy to finish my World Cup journey in the final’: Messi