FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Argentina Vs. France Scorecard

by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling FIFA World Cup 2022 Final scorecard. This match was an absolute rollercoaster, filled with drama, stunning goals, and nail-biting moments. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just catching up, we'll break down every key event and statistic from the epic clash between Argentina and France. Get ready to relive the excitement!

Argentina's Road to Glory

Argentina's journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste navigated through a challenging group stage, overcoming an initial setback against Saudi Arabia to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Their resilience and tactical prowess were evident as they defeated strong contenders like Australia and the Netherlands, showcasing their determination to bring home the coveted trophy. Throughout the tournament, Argentina displayed a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with. Their attacking trio, consisting of Messi, Di Maria, and Alvarez, consistently threatened opposition defenses, while their midfield, anchored by De Paul and Fernandez, provided stability and creativity. Argentina's defense, led by Otamendi and Martinez, proved to be a tough nut to crack, frustrating even the most potent attacking lineups. Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina developed a cohesive and adaptable playing style, allowing them to adjust their tactics based on their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Their unwavering team spirit and passionate support from fans worldwide propelled them forward, culminating in their appearance in the final against reigning champions France.

Key Players in Argentina's Campaign

  • Lionel Messi: The undisputed star of the team, Messi's brilliance was on full display throughout the tournament. His goals, assists, and mesmerizing dribbling skills inspired his teammates and captivated fans worldwide. Messi's leadership both on and off the field was crucial to Argentina's success. He not only contributed with goals but also orchestrated attacks and provided crucial passes. His presence alone lifted the morale of the team and instilled fear in their opponents. Messi's determination to win the World Cup, a trophy that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career, fueled his exceptional performances and made him the driving force behind Argentina's campaign.
  • Angel Di Maria: A seasoned veteran, Di Maria provided crucial experience and attacking firepower. His pace, trickery, and ability to score important goals made him a valuable asset to the team. Di Maria's contribution extended beyond his goals and assists. He consistently tracked back to help defend and created space for his teammates with his intelligent movement. His experience playing in top European leagues brought composure and tactical awareness to Argentina's attack, making him a key component of their success.
  • Julian Alvarez: The young striker emerged as a breakout star, scoring crucial goals and providing relentless energy upfront. His tireless work rate and clinical finishing added a new dimension to Argentina's attack. Alvarez's emergence allowed Messi to play with more freedom and alleviated some of the pressure on the veteran forward. His ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Alvarez's performances demonstrated the depth and potential within Argentina's squad, showcasing the future of Argentine football.

France's Title Defense

France entered the World Cup as the defending champions, eager to prove their dominance once again. Despite facing challenges with injuries to key players like Benzema and Pogba, Les Bleus showcased their depth and tactical flexibility. Their journey to the final saw them overcome strong opponents like England and Poland, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. France's attacking prowess, led by Mbappe and Griezmann, proved to be a constant threat to opposing defenses, while their midfield, anchored by Tchouameni and Rabiot, provided stability and control. France's defense, led by Varane and Upamecano, displayed resilience and experience, frustrating even the most potent attacking lineups. Under the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps, France maintained their reputation as a well-organized and disciplined team, capable of adapting their tactics based on their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Their unwavering belief in their abilities and their determination to retain the World Cup trophy propelled them forward, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Argentina.

Key Players in France's Campaign

  • Kylian Mbappe: The lightning-fast forward was a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his incredible pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. Mbappe's ability to score goals from seemingly impossible angles made him a nightmare for defenders. His speed and agility allowed him to exploit gaps in the defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mbappe's performances throughout the tournament solidified his status as one of the world's best players, and his contributions were crucial to France's campaign.
  • Antoine Griezmann: The versatile playmaker orchestrated France's attacks, providing crucial assists and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Griezmann's vision, passing range, and ability to read the game made him the creative hub of the team. His tactical awareness and work rate also allowed him to contribute defensively, making him a valuable asset in both phases of the game. Griezmann's experience and leadership were instrumental in guiding France through challenging moments, and his contributions were vital to their success.
  • Olivier Giroud: The experienced striker provided a focal point in attack, holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play. Giroud's aerial ability and clinical finishing made him a constant threat in the penalty box. His physical presence and ability to win duels allowed France to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. Giroud's experience and composure were crucial in high-pressure situations, and his contributions were vital to France's campaign.

The Final Showdown: Argentina vs. France

The final was an instant classic, a match that will be remembered for generations to come. Argentina started strong, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Messi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 23rd minute, sending the Argentine fans into a frenzy. Di Maria doubled their lead in the 36th minute with a stunning goal, further solidifying Argentina's dominance. However, France mounted a late comeback, with Mbappe scoring two goals in quick succession in the 80th and 81st minutes to level the score. The match went into extra time, where Messi scored again in the 108th minute to restore Argentina's lead. But Mbappe completed his hat-trick with another penalty in the 118th minute, sending the game to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Argentina prevailed 4-2, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making a crucial save to deny France. The victory sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players and fans, as they finally lifted the World Cup trophy after a 36-year wait.

Key Moments of the Final

  • 23rd Minute: Lionel Messi scores a penalty to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
  • 36th Minute: Angel Di Maria scores a brilliant goal to extend Argentina's lead to 2-0.
  • 80th & 81st Minutes: Kylian Mbappe scores two quick goals to level the score at 2-2.
  • 108th Minute: Lionel Messi scores again in extra time to put Argentina ahead 3-2.
  • 118th Minute: Kylian Mbappe completes his hat-trick with another penalty to level the score at 3-3.
  • Penalty Shootout: Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties, with Emiliano Martinez making a crucial save.

The Scorecard

Here's a detailed look at the final scorecard:

  • Argentina 3 (4) - 3 (2) France
  • Goals:
    • Argentina: Lionel Messi (23' pen, 108'), Angel Di Maria (36')
    • France: Kylian Mbappe (80' pen, 81', 118' pen)
  • Penalty Shootout:
    • Argentina: Messi (scored), Dybala (scored), Paredes (scored), Montiel (scored)
    • France: Mbappe (scored), Coman (missed), Tchouameni (missed), Kolo Muani (scored)
  • Possession: Argentina (54%), France (46%)
  • Shots: Argentina (20), France (19)
  • Shots on Target: Argentina (10), France (5)
  • Fouls Committed: Argentina (19), France (19)
  • Yellow Cards: Argentina (8), France (3)

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Final was a truly unforgettable match, filled with drama, excitement, and incredible skill. Argentina's victory marked the culmination of a long and arduous journey, led by the brilliance of Lionel Messi. France's spirited comeback showcased their resilience and determination, but ultimately, they fell short in the penalty shootout. This final will be etched in the memories of football fans forever, a testament to the passion, skill, and unpredictability of the beautiful game. What a game, right guys?