Argentina Vs France: FIFA World Cup 2022 Full Match Highlights

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the most epic World Cup finals in history: Argentina vs. France in the FIFA World Cup 2022. 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 looking for a thrilling sports story, this game has something for everyone. We’ll break down the key moments, the standout performances, and the overall excitement of this unforgettable clash.

The Road to the Final

Before we get into the specifics of the final match, let’s quickly recap how both Argentina and France made their way to the grand stage. Understanding their journey adds context to the final showdown and highlights the resilience and skill that each team displayed throughout the tournament.

Argentina's Journey

Argentina's path to the final was anything but smooth. They started with a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia, a result that sent shockwaves through the football world. Many wrote them off, but this setback seemed to ignite a fire within the team. Lionel Messi, in what was likely his last World Cup, led the charge with incredible determination.

Following the initial defeat, Argentina bounced back with crucial wins against Mexico and Poland to secure their place in the knockout stage. In the Round of 16, they faced Australia, a match that tested their resolve but ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory. The quarter-finals brought a tense encounter with the Netherlands, which went all the way to penalties after a late Dutch comeback. Argentina held their nerve to win the shootout, setting up a semi-final clash with Croatia.

The semi-final against Croatia was a masterclass from Argentina. They dominated the match, winning 3-0 with Messi and Julian Alvarez putting in stellar performances. This victory propelled them to the final, giving Messi the chance to finally win the elusive World Cup trophy. The journey was marked by tactical adjustments, standout individual performances, and a growing sense of belief within the squad. The initial shock of the Saudi Arabia defeat had transformed into a steely determination to go all the way.

France's Journey

France, the defending champions, entered the tournament with high expectations. Despite some injury setbacks before the tournament, they showcased their depth and quality throughout. Their group stage saw them secure comfortable wins against Australia and Denmark, although they did suffer a surprising defeat to Tunisia in their final group game after rotating the squad.

In the knockout stage, France faced Poland in the Round of 16, with Kylian Mbappé announcing himself as a major force with two stunning goals in a 3-1 victory. The quarter-finals pitted them against England in a highly anticipated match. It was a closely fought contest, with France eventually winning 2-1, thanks to a late goal and some resilient defending. The semi-final saw them face a resilient Morocco team that had defied all expectations to reach this stage. France proved too strong, winning 2-0 and securing their place in the final.

France's journey was characterized by their attacking prowess, particularly the brilliance of Mbappé. They also demonstrated tactical flexibility and the ability to grind out results when needed. As defending champions, they carried the weight of expectation but seemed to thrive under pressure. Their path to the final was a testament to their quality and experience on the world stage.

The Epic Final: Argentina vs. France

The final itself was a match for the ages. It had everything: goals, drama, controversy, and a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Let's break down the key moments.

First Half Dominance by Argentina

Argentina came out of the blocks flying. They dominated the first half with their pressing, passing, and movement. France, on the other hand, looked surprisingly subdued and struggled to get a foothold in the game. Argentina's early pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Angel Di Maria was brought down in the box. Lionel Messi stepped up and calmly converted, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way.

Argentina continued to control the game, and they doubled their lead in the 36th minute with a stunning counter-attack. Messi played a beautiful pass to Julian Alvarez, who then laid it off to Di Maria. Di Maria finished with a cool and composed strike, making it 2-0. At this point, Argentina looked to be in complete control, and many wondered if France could find a way back into the match. The first half was a tactical masterclass from Argentina, who exploited France's weaknesses and showcased their own attacking strengths.

France's Remarkable Comeback

The second half initially followed a similar pattern, with Argentina looking comfortable and France struggling to create chances. However, everything changed in the last 10 minutes. France were awarded a penalty when Kylian Mbappé was fouled in the box. Mbappé converted the penalty, giving France a lifeline. Just a minute later, Mbappé scored a sensational volley, bringing the score level at 2-2. The momentum had completely shifted, and suddenly it was Argentina who looked rattled.

Mbappé's quickfire double turned the game on its head and sent the stadium into a frenzy. Argentina, who had been in control for so long, were now desperately trying to regain their composure. The final minutes of normal time were tense, with both teams pushing for a winner but ultimately unable to find a breakthrough. The game went into extra time, with the score tied at 2-2. France’s comeback was a testament to their resilience and the individual brilliance of Mbappé, who almost single-handedly dragged his team back into the match.

Extra Time Drama

Extra time was just as dramatic as the rest of the match. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi appeared to have scored the winner, poking the ball home after Lloris had saved from Lautaro Martinez. Argentina's celebrations were cut short when France were awarded another penalty in the 118th minute for a handball. Kylian Mbappé stepped up and scored his third goal of the match, completing his hat-trick and leveling the score at 3-3. It was only the second hat-trick in World Cup final history, the first being scored by Geoff Hurst for England in 1966.

With seconds remaining, both teams had chances to win the game, but neither could convert. The match went to a penalty shootout, with the World Cup trophy on the line. The drama of extra time added another layer to an already incredible match, with both teams showing incredible determination and skill. Messi’s goal seemed to have sealed the victory for Argentina, but Mbappé’s late penalty ensured that the game would go down to the wire.

Penalty Shootout

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, proved to be the hero, saving Kingsley Coman's penalty and putting off Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed his spot-kick. Argentina, on the other hand, were perfect from the spot, with Messi, Dybala, Paredes, and Montiel all converting their penalties. Argentina won the shootout 4-2, securing their third World Cup title and sparking wild celebrations among their fans.

The penalty shootout was a fitting end to an incredible match, with Argentina holding their nerve to secure the victory. Martinez’s heroics in goal were crucial, while France’s missed penalties ultimately cost them the title. The shootout was a tense and dramatic conclusion to a final that will be remembered for years to come.

Key Performances

Several players stood out in this epic final. For Argentina, Lionel Messi was the talisman, scoring two goals and leading his team with passion and determination. Angel Di Maria was also outstanding, scoring a goal and causing problems for the French defense throughout the first half. Emiliano Martinez's penalty shootout heroics were crucial in securing the win.

For France, Kylian Mbappé was the star, scoring a hat-trick and almost single-handedly dragging his team back into the match. However, it wasn't enough, as France ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout. Despite the loss, Mbappé's performance was one for the ages, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world. The contributions of these players made the final an unforgettable spectacle.

The Aftermath

Argentina's victory sparked wild celebrations around the world, particularly in Argentina, where fans took to the streets to celebrate their team's triumph. For Lionel Messi, it was the crowning achievement of his illustrious career, finally winning the World Cup trophy that had eluded him for so long. The victory also brought joy to millions of Argentinian fans who had waited decades to see their team lift the trophy again.

For France, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite Mbappé's heroics, they were unable to defend their title. However, they can take pride in their performance throughout the tournament and the resilience they showed in the final. The team's journey to the final was a testament to their quality and determination, and they will undoubtedly be back to compete for the title in future World Cups. The match will be remembered as a classic, full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France was a truly unforgettable match. It had everything: goals, drama, controversy, and a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Whether you're an Argentina fan, a France fan, or just a lover of the beautiful game, this match will be etched in your memory for years to come. It was a game that showcased the best of football and provided a fitting end to a memorable tournament. What a game, guys! What a game!