FIFA World Cup 2022: Extended Final Highlights!
The FIFA World Cup 2022 final was a match for the ages, and guys, if you missed it, you missed history! Even if you did catch it live, you probably want to relive every heart-stopping moment. This extended highlights reel is your ticket to do just that. We're diving deep into the epic clash between Argentina and France, dissecting every goal, every save, and every nail-biting penalty. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we break down the game that had the whole world on the edge of their seats.
The Road to the Final: A Quick Recap
Before we plunge into the extended highlights, let's quickly recap how these two powerhouse teams made it to the final. Argentina, led by the one and only Lionel Messi, had a journey filled with ups and downs. After a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match, they bounced back with convincing wins and displayed their resilience and determination. Messi's unwavering desire to lift the World Cup trophy was evident in every game, inspiring his team and captivating fans around the globe. They overcame tough opponents like the Netherlands and Croatia to secure their spot in the final, proving they were a force to be reckoned with.
France, the defending champions, had a dominant run throughout the tournament. With a squad full of world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, they showcased their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. They cruised through the group stage and overcame challenges from Poland, England and Morocco with relative ease. Mbappé's blistering pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders, and France looked poised to retain their title. Their journey to the final was a testament to their quality and experience.
First Half Fireworks: Argentina's Dominance
The first half of the final was all about Argentina. They came out firing on all cylinders, pressing France high up the pitch and creating chances from the get-go. Their midfield, led by Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo FernĂĄndez, controlled the tempo of the game and dictated the flow of attack. Argentina's early pressure paid off when Ăngel Di MarĂa won a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick and coolly slotted it home, sending Argentine fans into raptures. The goal ignited the team, and they continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
Di MarĂa, playing in perhaps his last World Cup match, was a constant threat to the French defense. His pace, trickery, and pinpoint crosses caused all sorts of problems. In the 36th minute, Argentina scored a stunning second goal, a sweeping counter-attack that started with a brilliant tackle from Messi in his own half. The ball was quickly passed to JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, who released Di MarĂa down the left wing. Di MarĂa then played a perfect pass to Ăngel Di MarĂa, who was the goal scorer. At halftime, Argentina were comfortably ahead, leading 2-0, and France looked shell-shocked. It seemed like Argentina were on their way to their third World Cup title.
Second Half Drama: Mbappé's Heroics
The second half saw a complete turnaround as France fought their way back into the game. After making a couple of substitutions, including bringing on Kingsley Coman and Marcus Thuram, they began to assert themselves. However, for a long period, Argentina managed to contain the French attack and maintain their two-goal lead. That was until late in the game. In the 79th minute, France were awarded a penalty after NicolĂĄs Otamendi brought down Randal Kolo Muani in the box. MbappĂ© stepped up and blasted the penalty past Emiliano MartĂnez, giving France a lifeline. Just two minutes later, MbappĂ© scored an absolute stunner, a sensational volley that left MartĂnez with no chance. Suddenly, the game was tied, and the momentum had shifted completely in France's favor.
The final minutes of the second half were chaotic, with both teams throwing everything they had at each other. Messi had a couple of chances to win it for Argentina, but his shots were either saved by Hugo Lloris or went narrowly wide. At the other end, Mbappé continued to torment the Argentine defense, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, neither team could find a winner before the final whistle, and the game went into extra time. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, praying for their team to emerge victorious.
Extra Time Thrills: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Extra time was nothing short of dramatic. In the 108th minute, Messi appeared to have scored the winning goal for Argentina. After a goal-mouth scramble, Lautaro MartĂnez fired a powerful shot that was saved by Lloris, but Messi was there to poke the rebound home. The Argentine fans erupted in celebration, believing that their team had finally sealed the victory. However, France were not done yet. In the 118th minute, they were awarded another penalty after MbappĂ©'s shot struck Gonzalo Montiel's arm. MbappĂ© once again stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, completing his hat-trick and tying the game at 3-3. He became only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in the final, after Geoff Hurst in 1966.
The final minutes of extra time were nerve-wracking, with both teams desperately searching for a winner. Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to win it for France in the dying seconds, but his shot was brilliantly saved by MartĂnez. The save was absolutely crucial, keeping Argentina in the game and sending the match to a penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as the players prepared for the ultimate test of nerves. The fate of the World Cup was to be decided by penalties.
Penalty Shootout: Argentina's Triumph
The penalty shootout was a tense and dramatic affair. MbappĂ© stepped up first for France and scored, putting his team ahead. Messi responded for Argentina, slotting his penalty home with ease. Coman was the second penalty-taker for France, but his shot was saved by MartĂnez. Dybala then scored for Argentina, giving them the advantage. TchouamĂ©ni missed France's third penalty, piling the pressure on his team. Paredes scored Argentina's third penalty, putting them on the brink of victory. Kolo Muani scored France's fourth penalty, keeping their hopes alive. However, Montiel then stepped up and scored the winning penalty for Argentina, sending his team and their fans into ecstasy. Argentina had won the World Cup for the third time in their history.
The celebrations that followed were unforgettable. The Argentine players mobbed Messi, lifting him into the air and chanting his name. The fans in the stadium went wild, dancing and singing in jubilation. Argentina had finally ended their 36-year wait for a World Cup title, and Messi had finally achieved his dream of lifting the trophy. The scenes of joy and emotion will be etched in the memories of football fans forever.
Key Moments and Talking Points
- Messi's Masterclass: Messi's performance throughout the tournament and in the final was nothing short of legendary. He scored seven goals, including two in the final, and provided numerous assists. His leadership, vision, and skill inspired his team and captivated fans around the world. He finally has a world cup trophy to add to his collection.
- Mbappé's Brilliance: Mbappé's hat-trick in the final was a remarkable achievement. He showed his pace, power, and finishing ability, and he proved that he is one of the best players in the world. At only 23 years old, he has the potential to dominate world football for years to come.
- Argentina's Resilience: Argentina showed incredible resilience throughout the tournament. After their shock defeat against Saudi Arabia, they bounced back with a series of impressive performances. They overcame tough opponents and never gave up, even when the chips were down. Their determination and team spirit were key to their success.
- France's Fightback: France deserve credit for their fightback in the second half. After being outplayed in the first half, they showed their character and dug deep to get back into the game. They never gave up and pushed Argentina all the way.
- MartĂnez's Heroics: MartĂnez's crucial save in the final seconds of extra time and his penalty shootout heroics were instrumental in Argentina's victory. He proved that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Conclusion: A Final for the Ages
The FIFA World Cup 2022 final was a truly unforgettable match. It had everything: goals, drama, controversy, and plenty of excitement. Argentina emerged victorious after a penalty shootout, but both teams deserve credit for their outstanding performances. The final will be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history, and it cemented Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. So, there you have it, guys, a recap with extended highlights of an absolutely epic final. Until next time!
