2022 World Cup Final: See The Complete Scorecard!

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling details of the 2022 World Cup Final. This match was an absolute rollercoaster, filled with drama, stunning goals, and nail-biting tension. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just catching up on the highlights, understanding the scorecard is key to reliving the excitement. So, let's break it down and get into the nitty-gritty of what made this final so unforgettable.

The Epic Clash: Argentina vs. France

The 2022 World Cup Final pitted Argentina against France in a clash of titans. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, was hungry for their first World Cup title since 1986. On the other side, France, the defending champions, boasted a formidable squad spearheaded by the electrifying Kylian Mbappé. The stage was set for an epic showdown at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, and boy, did it deliver!

From the kickoff, Argentina came out with intensity. They dominated possession and created several early chances, putting France on the back foot. The French, known for their counter-attacking prowess, initially struggled to find their rhythm against Argentina's relentless pressure. The tactical battle between the two managers, Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps, was evident, with both teams trying to exploit each other's weaknesses. Argentina's midfield, with players like Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernåndez, controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the flow and stifling France's attempts to launch quick attacks. This early dominance was crucial in setting the tone for Argentina and building their confidence. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both nations creating a deafening roar that spurred their teams on. Every tackle, every pass, and every shot was met with a chorus of cheers and gasps, adding to the already immense pressure on the players. As the first half progressed, it became clear that Argentina had a clear game plan: to disrupt France's midfield, isolate Mbappé, and capitalize on their own attacking opportunities. This strategy paid off handsomely as they took the lead and continued to press for more goals. The French, on the other hand, seemed disjointed and struggled to find any cohesion in their play. Their usually reliable midfield was unable to assert control, and their attacking players were largely isolated from the rest of the team. This was a stark contrast to their previous performances in the tournament, where they had looked almost unstoppable. The first half was a masterclass in tactical execution from Argentina, leaving France with a mountain to climb in the second half.

First Half Domination: Argentina Takes Control

The first half saw Argentina establishing a firm grip on the game. They were awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute when Ángel Di María was brought down in the box. Lionel Messi stepped up and calmly converted, sending the Argentine fans into raptures. This goal not only gave Argentina the lead but also settled their nerves and allowed them to play with more freedom. The penalty itself was a moment of high drama, with the French players protesting the decision, but the referee stood firm. Messi's composure under pressure was evident as he slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris, giving Argentina a crucial advantage. The goal was a testament to Argentina's attacking intent and their determination to seize control of the game. It also highlighted the importance of Di María's contribution, as his pace and trickery had caused problems for the French defense from the outset.

Just 13 minutes later, in the 36th minute, Argentina struck again with a stunning counter-attack. Di MarĂ­a finished off a flowing move with a cool finish, doubling Argentina's lead. This goal was a thing of beauty, showcasing Argentina's attacking prowess and their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense. The move started with a clearance from their own defense, and within seconds, the ball was in the back of the net. The speed and precision of the passing were breathtaking, leaving the French defense completely exposed. Di MarĂ­a's finish was the icing on the cake, as he calmly slotted the ball past Lloris, sending the Argentine fans into delirium. At this point, Argentina looked to be in complete control of the game, and France were struggling to find any answers. The two-goal cushion gave Argentina a significant advantage, and they seemed poised to lift the trophy. The French, on the other hand, were in disarray, with their midfield unable to cope with Argentina's pressure and their attacking players struggling to make an impact. The first half was a dream scenario for Argentina, and they went into the break with a commanding lead and a sense of belief that they could finally end their World Cup drought.

Mbappé's Heroics: France Fights Back

Trailing by two goals, France needed a spark, and Kylian Mbappé provided it. In the 79th minute, France was awarded a penalty, and Mbappé stepped up to convert, pulling one back for his team. This goal ignited the French comeback and injected new life into their game. The penalty was a lifeline for France, and Mbappé seized the opportunity with both hands. His clinical finish gave France a glimmer of hope and spurred them on to push for an equalizer. The goal also shifted the momentum of the game, as Argentina suddenly found themselves under pressure after dominating for so long. The French fans erupted in celebration, sensing that their team could still salvage something from the game. Mbappé's goal was a testament to his resilience and his ability to perform under pressure. It also highlighted his importance to the French team, as he was their main source of inspiration and their most likely route back into the game.

Just a minute later, Mbappé scored again with a brilliant volley, leveling the score and sending the game into extra time. This goal was an absolute stunner, showcasing Mbappé's incredible athleticism and technique. He met the ball perfectly, sending it crashing into the back of the net and leaving the Argentine goalkeeper with no chance. The stadium erupted in a frenzy as the French fans celebrated wildly. Mbappé's quickfire double had turned the game on its head, and Argentina were left shell-shocked. The momentum had completely shifted in France's favor, and they now looked the more likely team to win. Mbappé's heroics had single-handedly dragged France back into the game, and he had cemented his status as one of the world's best players. The Argentine players were visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events, and they struggled to regain their composure. The game had become a true classic, with both teams trading blows and the outcome hanging in the balance.

Extra Time Drama: Messi vs. Mbappé, Round 3

Extra time brought even more drama. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi appeared to have sealed the victory for Argentina, scoring from close range after Lloris saved from Lautaro Martinez. However, Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 118th minute with another penalty, making it 3-3 and forcing a penalty shootout. This extra time period was filled with tension and excitement, as both teams pushed for a winning goal. Messi's goal seemed to have broken French resistance, but Mbappé refused to give up, earning another penalty and completing his hat-trick. The two superstars were trading blows like heavyweight boxers, each determined to lead their team to victory. Messi's goal was a scrappy affair, but it was no less important. It sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players and fans, who thought they had finally won the World Cup. However, Mbappé's response was immediate and decisive, as he calmly slotted home his second penalty of the game. The French fans were ecstatic, and the game was once again level. The drama was almost unbearable as the clock ticked down, with both teams desperate to avoid a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout: Argentina Clinches Victory

In the penalty shootout, Argentina prevailed 4-2, with Messi, Dybala, Paredes, and Montiel all converting their spot-kicks. France, on the other hand, saw Coman and Tchouaméni miss their penalties, handing Argentina the trophy. The shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with each penalty carrying immense pressure. Messi set the tone for Argentina, confidently dispatching his penalty into the back of the net. Dybala and Paredes followed suit, maintaining Argentina's perfect record. Montiel then stepped up to take the decisive penalty, and he made no mistake, sending Lloris the wrong way and sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine players and fans. On the French side, Coman's penalty was saved by Emiliano Martínez, while Tchouaméni missed the target altogether. These misses proved costly, as they handed Argentina the advantage. Kolo Muani scored France's second penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Argentina from winning the shootout and claiming the World Cup title. The Argentine players erupted in jubilation, mobbing Montiel and celebrating their historic victory. The French players, on the other hand, were crestfallen, their dreams of retaining the World Cup title shattered.

Final Scorecard: A Detailed Look

Here’s a recap of the final scorecard:

  • Argentina 3 (4)
    • Lionel Messi (23' pen, 108')
    • Ángel Di MarĂ­a (36')
    • Penalty Shootout: Messi (scored), Dybala (scored), Paredes (scored), Montiel (scored)
  • France 3 (2)
    • Kylian MbappĂ© (79' pen, 80', 118' pen)
    • Penalty Shootout: MbappĂ© (scored), Kolo Muani (scored), Coman (missed), TchouamĂ©ni (missed)

Key Stats and Moments

  • Lionel Messi became the first player to score in every stage of a World Cup (group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final).
  • Kylian MbappĂ© became only the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, after Geoff Hurst in 1966.
  • Argentina's victory marked their third World Cup title, ending a 36-year drought.
  • The match saw a total of six goals, three penalties, and numerous yellow cards, making it one of the most dramatic World Cup finals in history.

Conclusion: A World Cup Final for the Ages

The 2022 World Cup Final will forever be remembered as one of the greatest football matches ever played. The drama, the goals, the twists and turns – it had everything. Argentina's triumph, led by Lionel Messi, was a fitting end to an incredible tournament. This match was more than just a game; it was a spectacle that captured the hearts of millions around the world. The performances of Messi and MbappĂ© will be talked about for years to come, and the memories of this final will live on in the annals of football history. For Argentina, it was a moment of redemption and celebration, as they finally ended their long wait for a World Cup title. For France, it was a heartbreaking defeat, but they can take pride in their fighting spirit and their never-say-die attitude. The 2022 World Cup Final was a testament to the beauty and drama of football, and it will be remembered as a classic for generations to come. So there you have it – a detailed look at the 2022 World Cup Final scorecard. What a game, right? Let me know your favorite moment in the comments below!