France Vs Argentina: 2022 World Cup Final Highlights

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between France and Argentina was an absolutely epic showdown that will be etched in football history forever. Guys, if you missed it, you missed a serious classic! This article dives deep into the highlights of this nail-biting match, bringing you all the key moments, dramatic twists, and unforgettable goals.

A Clash of Titans: Setting the Stage

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the game, let's set the stage. France, the defending champions, were looking to secure back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat that hasn't been achieved since Brazil in 1962. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, were hungry to end their 36-year World Cup drought. This match wasn't just about winning a trophy; it was about legacy, about cementing a place in football folklore. The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation palpable. Millions around the globe tuned in to witness what promised to be an unforgettable contest.

Both teams boasted incredible talent, with France showcasing the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, while Argentina had Messi, Ángel Di María, and a host of other stars. The tactical battle between the two managers, Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni, was also a key storyline. Deschamps' pragmatic approach versus Scaloni's more attacking philosophy made for a fascinating contrast. The world was holding its breath, waiting to see who would emerge victorious from this clash of titans. This game was more than just a final; it was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and dreams.

The initial moments of the match saw Argentina dominate possession and dictate the tempo. Their midfield was controlling the game, and they looked dangerous every time they went forward. France, on the other hand, seemed uncharacteristically subdued, struggling to get a foothold in the match. The tension in the stadium was immense, with every tackle, every pass, and every run being met with a roar from the crowd. The opening exchanges were a clear indication that this was going to be a fiercely contested battle, with both teams leaving nothing on the pitch. The early stages were crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the match, and Argentina's dominance in this period would prove to be significant.

First Half Fireworks: Argentina's Dominance

The first half was all about Argentina. They came out firing on all cylinders, putting France under immense pressure right from the kickoff. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 23rd minute, sending Argentinian fans into raptures. The penalty was awarded after Ángel Di María was brought down in the box, and Messi coolly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris. It was a moment of pure brilliance from the Argentinian captain, and it set the tone for a dominant first-half performance.

Argentina didn't stop there. In the 36th minute, Ángel Di María himself scored a stunning goal, finishing off a sweeping counter-attack with a composed finish. The move started with a brilliant tackle in their own half, and within seconds, Argentina had carved open the French defense. Di María's goal was a testament to Argentina's attacking prowess and their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. At this point, France looked shell-shocked, struggling to cope with Argentina's intensity and precision. The South Americans were playing with a swagger and confidence that was simply irresistible.

The French team looked completely out of sorts in the first half. Their midfield was overrun, their attack was stifled, and their defense looked vulnerable. Key players like Mbappé and Griezmann were unable to make an impact, and France struggled to create any meaningful chances. Didier Deschamps recognized the need for change and made two substitutions before halftime, bringing on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani in an attempt to inject some life into his team. However, even these changes couldn't stem the tide, and Argentina went into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead. The first half was a masterclass in attacking football from Argentina, and it left France with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Mbappé's Magic: France Fights Back

The second half saw a different France emerge. Whatever Didier Deschamps said at halftime clearly had an impact, as Les Bleus came out with renewed energy and determination. However, for a long period, Argentina managed to keep France at bay, maintaining their two-goal advantage and looking comfortable. The Argentinian defense was resolute, and their midfield continued to control the tempo of the game. It looked like Argentina were cruising towards victory, but football is a game of fine margins, and everything can change in an instant.

Then, in the 80th minute, the magic of Kylian Mbappé happened. He scored a penalty after Randal Kolo Muani was fouled in the box, giving France a lifeline. The penalty was expertly taken, with Mbappé sending Emiliano Martínez the wrong way. The goal sparked France into life, and suddenly, the momentum of the match shifted dramatically. Just two minutes later, Mbappé scored a sensational volley, leveling the score and sending the French fans into delirium. The speed and technique of the volley were breathtaking, and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. In the space of two minutes, Mbappé had turned the game on its head, reminding everyone of his incredible talent and ability to perform on the biggest stage. These two goals not only brought France back into the match but also completely changed the psychological landscape of the game.

The Argentinian players were visibly shaken by Mbappé's quickfire double, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The French fans were in full voice, urging their team forward, while the Argentinian supporters were stunned into silence. The game had swung from one extreme to the other, and the final minutes of normal time were played out at a frantic pace. Both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find a breakthrough, and the match went into extra time. The drama of the game had reached fever pitch, and everyone knew that the next goal could be decisive.

Extra Time Thriller: More Twists and Turns

Extra time was just as dramatic as the second half, with both teams trading blows in a relentless battle. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the match, putting Argentina back in the lead. The goal came after a goalmouth scramble, with Messi reacting quickest to poke the ball home. It was a crucial goal for Argentina, and it looked like they had finally wrestled control of the game back from France. Messi's performance throughout the match was simply outstanding, and this goal was a testament to his determination and leadership.

However, the drama wasn't over yet. In the 118th minute, Kylian Mbappé completed his hat-trick, scoring another penalty after a handball in the box. The penalty was expertly taken, with Mbappé once again sending Emiliano Martínez the wrong way. Mbappé's hat-trick was only the second in World Cup final history, and it cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the world. The French striker had almost single-handedly dragged his team back into the match, and his performance will be remembered for generations to come. With the score level at 3-3, the game went to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak: Argentina Triumphs

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams feeling the immense pressure. Argentina emerged victorious, winning the shootout 4-2. Emiliano Martínez was the hero for Argentina, saving Kingsley Coman's penalty and putting his team in a commanding position. Paulo Dybala also scored a crucial penalty for Argentina, while Mbappé and Kolo Muani scored for France. However, Aurélien Tchouaméni missed his penalty for France, handing Argentina the advantage. Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for Argentina, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentinian players and fans. The shootout was a fitting end to an incredible match, and it was Argentina who finally emerged victorious, ending their 36-year wait for a World Cup title.

The Argentinian players erupted in joy, mobbing Emiliano Martínez and celebrating their historic victory. Lionel Messi, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament, was finally able to lift the World Cup trophy, completing his remarkable career. The scenes of celebration in Argentina were incredible, with millions of fans taking to the streets to celebrate their team's triumph. For Argentina, this victory was more than just winning a trophy; it was about national pride, about honoring their footballing heritage, and about giving Messi the World Cup title he so richly deserved.

A Final to Remember: Legacy and Greatness

The 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina will go down as one of the greatest football matches of all time. The game had everything: goals, drama, twists, turns, and a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Lionel Messi's performance was outstanding, and he finally added the World Cup trophy to his glittering collection. Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick was also a historic achievement, and he showed that he is a player capable of dominating world football for years to come. The match was a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of football, and it will be remembered for generations to come.

This final wasn't just about the result; it was about the legacy of the players and the teams involved. For Messi, it was the culmination of a career filled with individual brilliance, finally achieving the ultimate team prize. For Mbappé, it was a statement of his potential to become the greatest player of his generation. For Argentina, it was the end of a long wait and the realization of a dream. For France, it was a painful defeat, but also a reminder of their own greatness and their ability to compete at the highest level. The 2022 World Cup final was a truly unforgettable spectacle, a match that will be talked about for years to come. Guys, what a game!