Jamaicans torn between France, Argentina

FANS AT yesterday’s Olivier Shield final at the Stadium East Sports Complex where Clarendon College ran out 3-0 winners over Jamaica College are of the belief that World Cup history will be in the making on Sunday.

According to the fans, the football that France have been playing, despite their not-so-comfortable 2-0 win over Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar yesterday, makes them firm favourites against Argentina and Lionel Messi.

“Yes, surely, because they are playing the better football right now more than Argentina, and I’m saying that even as a Brazilian fan. I think [Kylian] Mbappé is going to deliver in the final, and I’m confident in him,” said Aldaine Morgan at halftime.

According to Khalin Yates, the better team should win, and that happens to be France.

“They have the better team and squad and are defending champions, so they know what it takes to go to a final and win, and I think Mbappé can do it again. For Mbappé, back-to-back World Cups at a young age and, basically, carrying his team both times. Yeah, GOAT status,” he said.

Another fan, Javian Taylor, was even more technical in coming to his conclusion, saying that having a bad game and coming out winners against Morocco actually prove France’s credentials.

“The win against Morocco wasn’t good, but they got it, and that’s what champions do. I believe they’re the favourites for Sunday’s final. I’m expecting pretty much the same from Mbappé. He’s a good one-on-one player, good link-up player with [Olivier] Giroud, but I’m expecting [Antoine] Griezmann to have the best game for France,” said Taylor.

Still, there were some fans who back the mercurial Messi to make the difference even if France are the better team.

“For me, it’s not about who plays better, but who wants it more, and Argentina want it more. Argentina is willing to sacrifice more for Messi, and even though they don’t have the squad like France, I think they have what it takes to win in the final,” said Le-Rhone Miller.

According to a fan who calls himself Volume, he sees weaknesses in the France team that Argentina could exploit.

“If you look at how France play, they are weak in the midfield, and we can see that. I give Argentina favourite because Messi deserves this World Cup because he’s playing very good. After the first game, he gave a speech and said, ‘I won’t leave you guys stranded’, and for that I have to give it to him,” he said.

For another fan, Jay Brinks, today’s showing from France, or any of their other showings, doesn’t matter because of Messi.

“To tell the truth, my team a knock ball, and Messi is not going to let that happen. I’m very proud of what Messi is doing with his five goals and three assists. So he’s showing that he’s contributing well for the team.”

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com