World Cup 2022 Final: Argentina Vs France Highlights
The World Cup 2022 final was an absolute rollercoaster, guys! Argentina and France battled it out in a match that will be talked about for generations. If you missed it, or just want to relive the sheer madness, buckle up! We are diving deep into the highlights.
Argentina's Dominant First Half
Argentina came out strong, and I mean STRONG. From the very first whistle, they were all over France, controlling the midfield and creating chance after chance. It was clear they had a game plan and were executing it perfectly. Lionel Messi, in what was likely his last World Cup match, was pulling the strings, dictating the tempo and weaving magic with every touch. The French looked completely overwhelmed, struggling to cope with Argentina's intensity and tactical setup. Did anyone predict such a dominant first half? I doubt it! Argentina's relentless pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Ăngel Di MarĂa was brought down in the box. Messi stepped up and coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Argentinian fans into a frenzy. The stadium erupted! It was the perfect start for Argentina, and a dream come true for Messi, who looked determined to finally lift that coveted World Cup trophy. But they weren't done there. Argentina continued to press, and their second goal was a thing of beauty. A lightning-fast counter-attack, started deep in their own half, saw a series of perfect passes slice through the French defense. Di MarĂa, who was a constant threat down the left wing, finished off the move with a sublime finish, curling the ball past Hugo Lloris and into the net. 2-0 Argentina! At this point, France looked completely lost, and the Argentinian fans were already starting to celebrate. It seemed like nothing could go wrong for Argentina, and they were cruising towards their third World Cup title. The first half was a tactical masterclass from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who had clearly outsmarted his French counterpart Didier Deschamps. Argentina's midfield, led by Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo FernĂĄndez, was dominating possession and stifling France's creative players. Upfront, Messi and Di MarĂa were causing all sorts of problems for the French defense, with their pace, skill, and movement. It was a perfect storm for Argentina, and a nightmare for France. But as we all know, anything can happen in football, and the second half was a completely different story.
France's Incredible Comeback
Just when we thought France were down and out, they showed the world why they are the reigning World Champions. Up until that point, Kylian MbappĂ© had been uncharacteristically quiet, but he exploded into life in the final 10 minutes, scoring two goals in quick succession to level the score. The first was a penalty, awarded after NicolĂĄs Otamendi brought down Randal Kolo Muani in the box. MbappĂ© stepped up and blasted the ball past Emiliano MartĂnez, giving France a lifeline. Suddenly, the French fans found their voice again, and the momentum shifted dramatically. Just a minute later, MbappĂ© scored another goal, this time a stunning volley after a neat one-two with Marcus Thuram. The stadium was in absolute shock! From being completely dominant, Argentina were now clinging on for dear life. MbappĂ©'s two goals had turned the game on its head, and France were now in the ascendancy. The French comeback was nothing short of remarkable. They had been completely outplayed for most of the match, but they refused to give up and showed incredible resilience to fight their way back into the game. MbappĂ©'s two goals were a testament to his exceptional talent, and he proved why he is considered one of the best players in the world. But Argentina were not going to let their lead slip away easily. They regrouped and managed to see out the remaining minutes of the match, forcing the game into extra time. The tension was palpable, and everyone knew that the next goal could decide the World Cup.
Extra Time Drama
Extra time was just as dramatic as the second half, with both teams creating chances and pushing for a winner. Messi thought he had scored the winning goal when he bundled the ball over the line after Lloris had saved from Lautaro MartĂnez. The Argentinian fans erupted once again, and it looked like they had finally clinched the title. But France were not done yet. They were awarded another penalty when MbappĂ©'s shot hit Gonzalo Montiel's arm in the box. MbappĂ© stepped up and scored his third goal of the match, completing his hat-trick and leveling the score once again. It was unbelievable! The game was now 3-3, and there were only a few minutes left to play. Both teams were exhausted, but they continued to push for a winner. Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to win it for France in the final seconds, but his shot was brilliantly saved by MartĂnez. The game went to penalties!
Penalty Shootout Heartbreak
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with every kick carrying immense pressure. MbappĂ© scored his penalty, but Messi responded with one of his own. Kingsley Coman then had his penalty saved by MartĂnez, giving Argentina the advantage. Paulo Dybala scored Argentina's second penalty, putting them in a strong position. AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni then missed his penalty for France, piling more pressure on them. Leandro Paredes scored Argentina's third penalty, meaning that they were one kick away from winning the World Cup. Randal Kolo Muani scored France's third penalty, keeping their hopes alive. But Gonzalo Montiel stepped up and scored the winning penalty for Argentina, sparking wild celebrations. Argentina had won the World Cup! The scenes were absolutely incredible. The Argentinian players erupted in joy, hugging each other and jumping up and down. The fans in the stadium were in tears, overcome with emotion. Messi, who had finally won the World Cup, was mobbed by his teammates. It was the perfect ending to his illustrious career.
Messi's Crowning Moment
This World Cup victory was the culmination of Messi's brilliant career. He had won everything else, but the World Cup had always eluded him. He had come close in 2014, but Argentina had lost to Germany in the final. This time, he was not going to be denied. He led Argentina to victory with sheer determination and exceptional skill. He scored seven goals in the tournament, including two in the final, and was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament. Messi's World Cup victory cemented his place as one of the greatest players of all time. He has now won everything there is to win in football, and he has inspired a generation of players. His dedication, skill, and sportsmanship are an inspiration to us all. Watching Messi lift that trophy was an emotional moment for every football fan around the world.
A World Cup Final for the Ages
The World Cup 2022 final will go down in history as one of the greatest football matches of all time. It had everything: goals, drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. Both Argentina and France played their hearts out, and they both deserved to win. But in the end, it was Argentina who emerged victorious, thanks to their determination, skill, and the magic of Lionel Messi. The match was a testament to the beauty of football, and it reminded us why we love the game so much. It was a match that will be talked about for generations to come, and it will forever be etched in the annals of football history. So, there you have it â the highlights of an unforgettable World Cup final. What a game! What a tournament! And what a moment for Lionel Messi and Argentina!
