Argentina Vs France: 2022 World Cup Final Highlights
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France was a match for the ages. This epic clash, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, had everything: goals, drama, stunning saves, and a penalty shootout that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This article dives deep into the full match highlights of this unforgettable encounter.
A Clash of Titans: Argentina vs. France
The Argentina vs. France final was more than just a game; it was a battle between two footballing giants. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, were determined to end their 36-year World Cup drought. France, the defending champions, boasted a star-studded squad spearheaded by the electrifying Kylian Mbappé, aiming to become only the third team in history to win back-to-back World Cups.
Argentina's Dominant First Half
From the whistle, Argentina came out firing on all cylinders. Their relentless pressing and tactical discipline stifled France's attacking threats and allowed them to control the tempo of the game. The first big moment arrived in the 23rd minute when Ăngel Di MarĂa, a constant thorn in France's side, was clumsily brought down in the box by Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©.
Lionel Messi stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentina fans into raptures. The goal seemed to inject even more confidence into the Argentinian side, and they continued to dominate possession and create chances. In the 36th minute, Argentina doubled their lead with a breathtaking counter-attack. A slick passing move culminated in Di MarĂa finishing off a brilliant team goal, leaving the French defense completely exposed. At halftime, Argentina were in a commanding 2-0 lead, leaving France shell-shocked and searching for answers.
France's Stunning Comeback
The second half saw France struggling to find their rhythm. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani in an attempt to inject some life into his team. However, for a long time, nothing seemed to work. Argentina continued to defend resolutely, frustrating the French attackers. Just when it looked like the game was slipping away from France, Mbappé stepped up to change the course of history.
In the 79th minute, Kolo Muani was fouled in the box, and Mbappé calmly converted the penalty, giving France a lifeline. Just a minute later, Mbappé struck again with a stunning volley after a beautiful pass from Thuram. Suddenly, the score was 2-2, and the momentum had completely shifted. The stadium erupted as the French fans celebrated wildly, while the Argentinian supporters were left in stunned silence. The game went into extra time, with both teams desperate to avoid a penalty shootout.
Extra Time Drama
Extra time was filled with even more drama and excitement. In the 108th minute, Messi appeared to have sealed the victory for Argentina, tapping in from close range after Lloris had saved from Lautaro MartĂnez. The Argentinian players and fans went wild, believing that they had finally won the World Cup. However, France refused to give up. In the 118th minute, MbappĂ© completed his hat-trick, converting another penalty after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel. The score was now 3-3, and the game was headed to a penalty shootout.
The Decisive Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. MbappĂ© and Messi both scored their opening penalties, but then Emiliano MartĂnez, the Argentinian goalkeeper, stepped up to become the hero. He saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and then saw AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni miss the target, giving Argentina a crucial advantage. Argentina converted their remaining penalties, with Montiel scoring the decisive spot-kick to win the World Cup for Argentina. The Argentinian players and fans erupted in jubilation, while the French players were left heartbroken.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Di MarĂa's early penalty: This gave Argentina a crucial early lead and set the tone for their dominant first-half performance.
- Mbappé's two-minute double: This stunning comeback brought France back from the brink and completely changed the momentum of the game.
- Messi's extra-time goal: This appeared to have sealed the victory for Argentina, but France refused to give up.
- MartĂnez's penalty save: This proved to be decisive in the penalty shootout, giving Argentina the edge.
- Montiel's winning penalty: This sparked scenes of wild celebration as Argentina finally won the World Cup.
The Impact of Key Players
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): Scored two goals (one penalty) and converted his penalty in the shootout. His leadership and influence were crucial throughout the tournament.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): Scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, and converted his penalty in the shootout. He became only the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
- Ăngel Di MarĂa (Argentina): Won the penalty and scored a brilliant goal in the first half. His performance was a constant threat to the French defense.
- Emiliano MartĂnez (Argentina): Saved a crucial penalty in the shootout and was named the Golden Glove winner as the tournament's best goalkeeper.
Tactical Analysis
Argentina's game plan was executed to near perfection in the first half. Their high pressing and tactical discipline stifled France's attacking threats, and their quick passing and movement created numerous chances. France struggled to cope with Argentina's intensity and were unable to find their rhythm. In the second half, France's substitutions changed the game, with Thuram and Kolo Muani injecting pace and energy into the attack. Mbappé's brilliance ultimately brought them back into the game, but they were unable to sustain the momentum in extra time.
Argentina's penalty shootout strategy was also well-executed, with all four of their penalty takers converting their spot-kicks. MartĂnez's save proved to be the difference, giving Argentina the advantage and ultimately securing the victory.
The Legacy of the Final
The Argentina vs. France 2022 World Cup Final will go down in history as one of the greatest football matches ever played. The game had everything: goals, drama, stunning saves, and a penalty shootout. It was a testament to the passion, skill, and determination of both teams. For Argentina, the victory ended their 36-year World Cup drought and cemented Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. For France, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but they can take pride in their incredible comeback and the brilliance of Mbappé.
This final will be remembered for many years to come as a classic encounter between two of the world's best teams, a true spectacle that showcased the beautiful game at its finest. The full match highlights are a must-watch for any football fan who wants to relive the drama and excitement of this unforgettable final. Guys, if you missed it, definitely check out the highlights! It's a game you won't forget!
Conclusion
The Argentina vs. France World Cup final in 2022 was more than just a game; it was a historic event filled with unforgettable moments. From Argentina's dominant first half to France's incredible comeback, from Messi's extra-time goal to MbappĂ©'s hat-trick, and from MartĂnez's penalty save to Montiel's winning penalty, this final had it all. The game will be remembered for its drama, excitement, and the sheer brilliance of the players involved. It was a fitting end to a fantastic World Cup tournament and a game that will be talked about for generations to come. So, whether you're an Argentina fan, a France fan, or just a lover of football, the full match highlights of this epic final are a must-see. You won't be disappointed!
