FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Score & Highlights
Alright guys, let's dive into the epic FIFA World Cup 2022 final score that had the whole world on the edge of their seats! This wasn't just any match; it was a clash of titans, a battle of legends, and a game that will be talked about for generations. We're talking about Argentina vs. France, a showdown that delivered more drama, skill, and sheer emotion than anyone could have predicted. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's break down how this incredible final played out, culminating in that unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2022 final score.
The Road to the Final
Before we get to the nitty-gritty of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final score, it's crucial to remember the journey these two powerhouse teams took to get there. Argentina, led by the incomparable Lionel Messi, carried the hopes of a nation yearning for a World Cup title to cement his legacy. They navigated tough opponents, showcasing moments of individual brilliance and solid team play. On the other side, France, the defending champions, arrived with a squad brimming with young talent and seasoned veterans, aiming to etch their names in history with back-to-back World Cup victories. Kylian Mbappé was, as always, a force to be reckoned with, spearheading their attack with blistering pace and clinical finishing. The tension was palpable as both teams marched through the knockout stages, overcoming challenges and proving their mettle, all building towards the ultimate prize and the chance to influence the final FIFA World Cup 2022 final score.
First Half Dominance: Argentina Takes Control
The Lusail Stadium was buzzing, and from the whistle, you could feel the intensity. Argentina came out flying, playing with a fire in their bellies that suggested they were determined to leave no room for doubt. They dictated the tempo, their passing was sharp, and their movement off the ball was exceptional. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. A swift attacking move saw Ăngel Di MarĂa, who was having a phenomenal game, brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot â a penalty! Lionel Messi stepped up, cool as you like, and slotted the ball home to give Argentina the lead. The stadium erupted! It was the kind of start Argentina dreamed of, putting them in a commanding position and setting the tone for what they hoped would be a victorious FIFA World Cup 2022 final score.
France seemed a bit stunned, struggling to find their rhythm. Their usual attacking spark was missing, and Argentina's defense, marshaled brilliantly, was holding firm. Then, just before halftime, Argentina struck again. It was a moment of pure magic! A rapid counter-attack, initiated by a superb pass, saw Alexis Mac Allister feed the ball to Di MarĂa, who finished with exquisite composure past Hugo Lloris. Two goals to the good! The FIFA World Cup 2022 final score at halftime read Argentina 2 - France 0. It felt like Argentina was on cruise control, well on their way to lifting the coveted trophy. The halftime whistle blew, and the Argentinian fans were in dreamland, while France had a mountain to climb.
The Mbappé Thunder: France's Second-Half Comeback
Whatever Didier Deschamps said at halftime, it was pure magic! France emerged for the second half a completely different team. The energy, the urgency, the belief â it was all there. Argentina, perhaps a little too comfortable with their lead, started to invite pressure. And then, the superstar, Kylian MbappĂ©, decided it was his time to shine. In the 79th minute, France was awarded a penalty after MbappĂ© was fouled in the box. He stepped up and hammered the ball into the net, giving France a lifeline and making the FIFA World Cup 2022 final score 2-1. The momentum shifted instantly. The stadium, which had been largely pro-Argentina, now had a nervous energy.
And just a minute later, Mbappé did it again! This goal was arguably even more spectacular. He played a quick one-two with Marcus Thuram, and then, from the edge of the box, he unleashed an unstoppable volley that rocketed into the top corner. STUNNING! It was a moment of sheer genius, leveling the scores and turning the FIFA World Cup 2022 final score on its head. France 2 - Argentina 2. What a turnaround! The game was alive again, and the sheer unpredictability of it all was breathtaking. Both teams had chances in the dying minutes, but neither could find the decisive goal, sending the match into extra time. The tension was unbearable. We were heading for another 30 minutes of footballing drama.
Extra Time Drama and Messi's Moment
Extra time was a cagey affair, with both teams clearly feeling the effects of the intense 90 minutes. Fatigue was setting in, but the will to win was stronger than ever. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves, and the defenses, though tested, held firm for the most part. Then, in the 108th minute, it happened. Argentina, through sheer grit and determination, regained the lead. A shot from Lautaro MartĂnez was parried by Lloris, but the rebound fell kindly to none other than Lionel Messi, who poked the ball over the line. GOOOOAL! The stadium went wild once more. Argentina 3 - France 2. It felt like the decisive blow, the moment Messi would finally lift the World Cup.
But this final was destined for more twists and turns. In the 118th minute, a handball by Gonzalo Montiel inside the box gave France another penalty. And who else but Kylian Mbappé? He calmly converted his third goal of the night, completing a HAT-TRICK and making the FIFA World Cup 2022 final score 3-3. This was simply unbelievable. We were heading for penalties. The first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst in 1966! The drama was off the charts. Every player on that pitch had given their absolute all, and now it would come down to the ultimate test of nerve: a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph
The penalty shootout is always a heart-stopping affair, and this one was no different. The pressure was immense, with the World Cup trophy hanging in the balance. France's MbappĂ© stepped up first and scored. Messi followed suit, calmly netting his penalty. Kingsley Coman then missed for France, his shot brilliantly saved by Emiliano MartĂnez. Paulo Dybala converted for Argentina, putting them in a strong position. AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni missed France's next penalty, hitting it wide. Leandro Paredes scored for Argentina, bringing them to the brink of victory.
Finally, it was up to Gonzalo Montiel. The weight of a nation was on his shoulders. He stepped up, took a deep breath, and slotted the ball past Lloris. GOAL! ARGENTINA WINS THE WORLD CUP! The final FIFA World Cup 2022 final score in the shootout was Argentina 4 - France 2. Tears of joy streamed down the faces of the Argentinian players and fans. Lionel Messi, after years of dreaming and striving, had finally achieved his ultimate goal, lifting the World Cup trophy. It was a fitting end to arguably the greatest World Cup final ever played. The jubilation was immense, and the celebrations lasted long into the night. This FIFA World Cup 2022 final score will forever be etched in football history.
