Argentina Vs France: Relive The Qatar 2022 World Cup Final!
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive back into one of the most epic football matches in history? I'm talking about the Argentina vs. France final at the Qatar 2022 World Cup! This game had everything: goals, drama, controversial calls, and of course, a penalty shootout that kept us all on the edge of our seats. If you missed it, or just want to relive the magic, then buckle up, because we're going on a journey through 120 minutes (plus penalties!) of pure footballing brilliance. Let's get started!
A Clash of Titans: Argentina vs. France
The Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final was more than just a game; it was a clash of titans. On one side, you had Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, leading Argentina in what was likely his last chance to lift the coveted World Cup trophy. The weight of a nation, desperate for their first World Cup title since 1986, rested firmly on his shoulders. Facing him was Kylian Mbappé, the young French superstar, aiming to secure back-to-back World Cup victories for Les Bleus. Mbappé, with his blistering pace and deadly finishing, represented the future of football and a significant threat to Argentina's dream.
Beyond the individual star power, the match pitted two contrasting styles against each other. Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni, had built a team around Messi, emphasizing tactical discipline, solid defense, and quick transitions. They were a cohesive unit, playing with a passion and determination that resonated with fans worldwide. France, on the other hand, possessed a more individualistic approach, relying on the brilliance of their attacking players and their ability to create moments of magic. The French team, coached by Didier Deschamps, had a pragmatic approach, willing to absorb pressure and strike decisively when the opportunity arose. This contrasting dynamic added another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated final.
The atmosphere surrounding the match was electric. The Lusail Stadium was a sea of blue and white, with Argentinian fans outnumbering their French counterparts. The air crackled with anticipation as the two teams walked onto the pitch. From the opening whistle, the intensity was palpable. Every tackle was fiercely contested, every pass meticulously executed. The world watched with bated breath as the drama unfolded, knowing that they were witnessing a moment of sporting history.
First Half Domination by Argentina
The first half of the Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final was a masterclass in tactical execution by Argentina. From the get-go, they pressed high, disrupting France's rhythm and preventing them from building any sustained attacks. Argentina's midfield, led by Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the flow of possession and winning crucial battles in the center of the pitch. France, uncharacteristically, looked disjointed and struggled to cope with Argentina's intensity. Their star players, including Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, were effectively nullified by Argentina's well-organized defense.
Argentina's dominance paid off in the 23rd minute when Ăngel Di MarĂa won a penalty after being brought down by Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. Lionel Messi stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentinian fans into raptures. The goal gave Argentina even more confidence, and they continued to press forward, looking to extend their lead. In the 36th minute, they did just that, with a stunning counter-attack. After a brilliant team move, Di MarĂa finished off a sweeping attack with a composed finish, making it 2-0 to Argentina. At this point, France looked shell-shocked, and it seemed like Argentina were well on their way to lifting the World Cup.
Didier Deschamps recognized that his team was struggling and made two bold substitutions before halftime, bringing on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani in place of Dembélé and Olivier Giroud. These changes were aimed at injecting some pace and energy into the French attack, but they did little to alter the course of the first half. Argentina went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead, leaving France with a mountain to climb in the second half. The Argentinian fans were in full voice, dreaming of World Cup glory, while the French supporters were left wondering how their team could turn things around.
Mbappé's Second Half Heroics: A French Comeback
The second half of the Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final was a completely different story. France, spurred on by their manager's half-time team talk and the urgency of the situation, came out with renewed purpose and determination. However, for a long period, Argentina managed to contain the French attacks, maintaining their defensive shape and frustrating Mbappé and his teammates. As the clock ticked down, it seemed like Argentina were edging closer to victory.
Then, in the 79th minute, everything changed. Kolo Muani was brought down in the box, and France were awarded a penalty. Mbappé stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Suddenly, the momentum shifted dramatically. Just a minute later, Mbappé scored again, this time with a stunning volley after a brilliant one-two with Thuram. In the space of 97 seconds, Mbappé had single-handedly brought France back from the brink, leveling the score at 2-2. The Argentinian fans were stunned into silence, while the French supporters erupted in jubilation.
The remainder of the second half was a tense and frantic affair, with both teams pushing for a winner. Argentina, reeling from France's quickfire double, struggled to regain their composure. France, on the other hand, were buoyed by their comeback and pressed forward with relentless energy. Despite several close calls, neither team could find a winning goal, and the match went into extra time. Mbappé's heroics had completely transformed the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Extra Time Drama: Messi vs. Mbappé, Round 3
The extra time period of the Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with twists and turns that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Both teams were visibly tired, but the stakes were too high to hold back. Argentina regained their composure and began to dominate possession once again. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi appeared to have sealed the victory for Argentina, tapping in from close range after Lloris had saved from Lautaro Martinez. The Argentinian fans erupted once more, believing that their dream was finally about to come true.
However, France refused to surrender. In the 118th minute, Mbappé completed his hat-trick, scoring another penalty after the ball struck Gonzalo Montiel's arm. The score was now 3-3, and the game seemed destined for a penalty shootout. Mbappé's hat-trick made him only the second player in World Cup history to score three goals in a final, after Geoff Hurst in 1966. The French superstar had once again rescued his team from defeat, setting up a dramatic showdown from the penalty spot.
Before the penalty shootout, both teams had chances to win the game. Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to score the winner for France in the dying seconds of extra time, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Emiliano MartĂnez. At the other end, Lautaro Martinez missed a header from close range. The tension was almost unbearable as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of extra time and confirming that the World Cup would be decided by penalties.
The Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph
The penalty shootout in the Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final was a nerve-wracking affair. The weight of the world rested on the shoulders of the players as they stepped up to take their penalties. MbappĂ© scored the first penalty for France, while Messi responded with a successful spot-kick for Argentina. However, France then missed their second and third penalties, with MartĂnez saving from Kingsley Coman and AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni. Argentina, on the other hand, scored their first four penalties, putting them on the verge of victory. Gonzalo Montiel, who had conceded the penalty for MbappĂ©'s hat-trick, had the chance to win the World Cup for Argentina. He kept his cool and calmly slotted the ball past Lloris, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentinian players and fans. Argentina had won the World Cup for the first time since 1986!
The scenes that followed were unforgettable. Messi was mobbed by his teammates, who hoisted him into the air in jubilation. The Argentinian fans danced and sang in the stands, their dreams finally realized. The victory was a testament to Argentina's resilience, determination, and team spirit. It was also a fitting end to Messi's illustrious career, finally cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. For France, it was a heartbreaking defeat, but they could be proud of their fightback and the brilliance of Mbappé, who had done everything he could to lead his team to victory.
The Argentina vs. France Qatar 2022 World Cup final will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games in football history. It was a match filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. From Argentina's first-half dominance to Mbappé's second-half heroics, to the tension of extra time and the drama of the penalty shootout, this game had it all. It was a fitting end to a memorable World Cup, and a triumph for Argentina and Lionel Messi.
