Argentina crowned World Cup champions for the first time since 1986
Argentina have been crowned the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-all draw after extra-time in the final at Lusail Stadium on Sunday evening.
Lionel Scaloni’s charges dethroned the French nation in Qatar to win their first World Cup title since 1986.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps’ troops came into this mouthwatering showdown aiming to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups.
The showpiece started off on a slow pace, as both sides struggled to find any real momentum.
However, the contest swung back to life when the first half progressed, with Argentina searching for an opener.
MESSI BREAKING THE DEADLOCK
The Argentine side’s prayers were finally answered by the man [God] from above in the 22nd minute when skipper Messi broke the deadlock from a spot kick.
The goal was Messi’s 12th goal in World Cup history and his sixth goal of the Qatar tournament.
France were now been pushed back and couldn’t create an opportunity of note after Argentina’s opener.
Argentina started enjoying their finest spell of the match with the hopes of adding to the scoreline.
In the 36th minute, Di Maria scored the second goal of the match to give his nation a 2-0 lead.
France, on the other hand, had offered little threat in front of Argentine’s goals.
The match went into the half-time break with Argentina leading by 2-0.
In the second stanza, it was action-packed, with the defending champions trying to pull one back.
But France’s momentum did not last long as Argentina were looking happy to knock the ball around to keep the game flowing.
When we thought it wasn’t France’s day as they struggled to take command of the game, Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal for France from a penalty in the 80th minute.
Just two minutes after the restart, things took a U-turn for Argentina, as Mbappe found an equaliser for France to complete his brace.
France continued piling pressure on their opponents – taking control of proceedings but failed to put the game to bed in regulation time.
The game ended 2-all which led to extra-time.
In the 109th minute, Messi did what Messi is known for as he completed his brace to put his country in front.
MBAPPE TO THE RESCUE
Once again, Mbappe came to France’s rescue to level matters from the spot kick to register a hat-trick.
Mbappe’s hat-trick saw him finish the tournament as the top goalscorer with eight goals.
He also became the first player to score three goals in a World Cup final.
The final whistle blew with the scoreline still 3-3 which led to the penalty shootouts.
In the end, Argentina walked away victorious, claiming their first World Cup title in 36 years.
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