Argentina Crowned World Champions After Epic Final
In arguably the greatest World Cup final ever played, Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 3-3 draw. The match, held on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Iconic Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical shifts, and individual brilliance that will be etched in football history.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Argentina dominated the first 80 minutes, executing their game plan to near perfection. Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Angel Di Maria was brought down. Di Maria then doubled the lead in the 36th minute with a clinical finish after a sweeping counter-attack. France looked shell-shocked and offered little in response during this period.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 80th minute when Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani. Just a minute later, Mbappé scored a stunning volley to level the score, sending the game into extra time. This quickfire double completely changed the momentum, injecting belief into the French team and silencing the Argentine support.
In extra time, Messi appeared to have sealed the victory for Argentina, tapping home after Hugo Lloris parried Lautaro Martinez’s shot in the 108th minute. However, Mbappé completed his hat-trick with another penalty in the 118th minute after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel, forcing a penalty shootout.
Argentina ultimately prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez proving to be the hero, saving Kingsley Coman’s penalty. Montiel, who conceded the late penalty, redeemed himself by scoring the winning spot-kick.
Tactical Approaches
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina started with a clear plan to exploit France's perceived weaknesses down their left flank. Di Maria, starting on the right wing, caused constant problems for Theo Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot. Argentina's midfield, led by Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez, effectively controlled the tempo and shielded the defense. The high press in the initial stages suffocated France and prevented them from building any rhythm.
Didier Deschamps' France initially struggled to cope with Argentina's intensity and tactical setup. His decision to substitute Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé before halftime highlighted his dissatisfaction with their performances. Bringing on Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram provided fresh impetus and ultimately contributed to France's late comeback. However, the slow start and the inability to contain Di Maria proved costly.
Deschamps' tactical switch to a more direct approach in the second half, utilizing the pace and power of Mbappé and Kolo Muani, paid dividends. This forced Argentina onto the back foot and exposed vulnerabilities in their defense.
Man of the Match and Standout Performers
Kylian Mbappé was undoubtedly the standout performer for France, scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final. His pace, skill, and composure under pressure were exceptional. Despite being on the losing side, his individual performance will be remembered for years to come.
For Argentina, Angel Di Maria had a fantastic first half, winning a penalty and scoring a goal. His direct running and creativity caused France all sorts of problems. Lionel Messi also delivered a captain's performance, scoring two goals and converting his penalty in the shootout. His influence on the team was evident throughout the tournament.
Emiliano Martinez deserves special mention for his crucial save in the penalty shootout and his overall commanding presence in goal. Enzo Fernandez, at just 21 years old, showcased maturity and composure in midfield, earning him the Young Player Award.
What the Result Means
For Argentina, this victory marks the culmination of a long and arduous journey. It is their first World Cup title since 1986 and cements Lionel Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The win will undoubtedly provide a massive boost to Argentine football and the nation as a whole.
For France, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their remarkable comeback, they ultimately fell short. However, their performance in the tournament showed their resilience and quality. The team has a young core of players, led by Mbappé, and will likely be contenders for future major tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Argentina will now enjoy the celebrations and look to build on this success in the coming years. Scaloni has built a strong team with a clear identity, and they will be eager to continue their winning momentum in future competitions, including the Copa America. They may look to integrate younger players into the squad, building for the future while still relying on the experience of players like Messi, should he continue to play for the national team. Preview the upcoming Copa America tournament.
France will need to regroup and analyze what went wrong in the final. Deschamps will need to decide whether to continue as manager and how to evolve the team's tactics. The focus will be on harnessing the talent of their young players and ensuring they remain competitive at the highest level. They will be aiming to qualify for the next European Championship and challenge for the title. Read our analysis of the Euro qualifiers.
This World Cup final will be remembered as a classic, a testament to the beauty and drama of football. It showcased the passion, skill, and determination of both teams and provided a fitting end to a memorable tournament.