Argentina Vs. France: World Cup 2022 Goal Highlights
What a match, guys! The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France was an absolute thriller, a game that will be talked about for generations. It had everything: incredible goals, dramatic comebacks, penalties, and two of the greatest players of all time battling it out. If you missed any of the action, or just want to relive the magic, we've got you covered with the highlights of all the goals that made this final unforgettable. Get ready to dive back into the drama and excitement of this epic encounter!
The Early Momentum: Argentina Takes the Lead
From the get-go, Argentina came out with a clear game plan and an intense desire to win the World Cup. They were hungry, and it showed. Their early pressure paid off spectacularly in the 23rd minute when Ăngel Di MarĂa was fouled inside the box by Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. The referee pointed straight to the spot. Up stepped Lionel Messi, the man with the weight of a nation on his shoulders. He calmly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris, sending the French goalkeeper the wrong way and the Argentine fans into delirium. This goal was more than just a strike; it was the culmination of years of effort and Messi's quest for that elusive World Cup trophy. It set the tone for the match, giving Argentina a deserved lead and putting France on the back foot early on. The build-up was smart, with Argentina controlling possession and patiently probing the French defense. They knew they had to make their chances count against a formidable French side, and this penalty was a testament to their sustained attacking intent. The stadium erupted, a sea of blue and white celebrating what felt like a decisive moment. Messiâs composure under such immense pressure was a clear indicator of his legendary status, and this goal was a crucial step towards realizing his lifelong dream.
Di MarĂa Doubles the Lead: A Masterclass in Counter-Attack
Just when France thought they had weathered the initial storm, Argentina struck again. In the 36th minute, they launched a devastating counter-attack. It started with a fantastic interception and build-up play, involving several Argentine players. The ball eventually found its way to JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, who then fed Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister, with incredible vision, played a perfectly weighted through ball to Ăngel Di MarĂa. Running onto it with pace, Di MarĂa kept his cool and finished brilliantly past Lloris with a superb left-footed shot into the far corner. This goal was a thing of beauty, a masterclass in counter-attacking football. Di MarĂa, who had been a doubt for the final, was proving to be an absolute game-changer. His inclusion in the starting lineup was a masterstroke by coach Lionel Scaloni. The goal was a reward for Argentina's relentless attacking pressure and their ability to exploit the spaces left by France. It was a moment of sheer brilliance, showcasing the team's chemistry and attacking prowess. The two-goal cushion must have felt immense for the Albiceleste faithful, pushing them closer to that coveted World Cup title. The intricate passing and movement that led to Di MarĂa's goal highlighted Argentina's tactical discipline and attacking flair, leaving France searching for answers.
Mbappé's Instant Response: France Roars Back
Just when it seemed like Argentina had one hand on the trophy, France decided to remind everyone why they are the reigning champions. In the 80th minute, a swift attack saw Randal Kolo Muani brought down by NicolĂĄs Otamendi inside the penalty area. This time, it was Kylian MbappĂ© stepping up to the spot. With nerves of steel, MbappĂ© fired the ball into the top corner, giving Emiliano MartĂnez no chance. It was a crucial goal, injecting life back into the French team and the match itself. But the drama didn't stop there. Less than two minutes later, in the 81st minute, MbappĂ© struck again! After a quick one-two with Marcus Thuram, MbappĂ© unleashed an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box that flew into the net. This goal was pure class, a moment of individual brilliance that leveled the score and sent shockwaves through the stadium. It was a stunning turnaround, with France scoring two goals in the space of 97 seconds. MbappĂ© had single-handedly brought France back from the brink, demonstrating his incredible talent and clutch ability. The momentum had completely shifted, and the match was now anyone's game. The resilience shown by France, particularly MbappĂ©'s breathtaking double, underscored their championship pedigree and their refusal to give up, even when staring defeat in the face. This rapid-fire scoring display was a classic example of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Extra Time Drama: Messi and Mbappé Again!
With the scores tied at 2-2, the match went into extra time, and the tension was palpable. Both teams had chances, but it was Argentina who found the breakthrough again. In the 108th minute, Lautaro MartĂnez had a shot saved by Lloris, but the rebound fell to Lionel Messi. With his second attempt, Messi managed to bundle the ball over the line, making it 3-2 to Argentina. It looked like the winner, the culmination of Messi's dream. However, the drama was far from over. Just minutes later, in the 118th minute, a handball by Gonzalo Montiel inside the box gifted France another penalty. Kylian MbappĂ© stepped up once more, and, showing incredible composure, completed his hat-trick! He slotted the ball past MartĂnez, making it 3-3 and forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The sheer drama of extra time, with both Messi and MbappĂ© scoring again, was almost unbelievable. These two superstars were carrying their teams, delivering moments of magic when it mattered most. The narrative of this final was truly epic, with the two protagonists refusing to yield.
The Penalty Shootout: Argentina Clinches the Title
After an exhilarating 120 minutes of football, the World Cup final between Argentina and France was decided by a penalty shootout. The pressure was immense as both teams lined up to take their spot-kicks. Argentina converted their first three penalties through Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, and Leandro Paredes. For France, Kylian MbappĂ© and Randal Kolo Muani scored their penalties, but Kingsley Coman's penalty was saved by Emiliano MartĂnez, and AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni missed the target. The decisive moment came when Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to take Argentina's fourth penalty. With a cool finish into the bottom corner, Montiel secured the World Cup for Argentina, sparking wild celebrations. The shootout was a fittingly dramatic end to an unforgettable final. Argentina, led by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, finally achieved their dream of winning the World Cup, etching their names into football history. The victory was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the sheer magic of their star player. The emotions were raw, the celebrations were epic, and the legacy of this match, and this Argentine team, was secured. It was a final that truly had it all, a spectacle of skill, passion, and drama that will be remembered forever.
