World Cup 2022 Final: Full Highlights & Unforgettable Moments

Hey guys! Let's dive into the full highlights of the 2022 World Cup Final – a match that will forever be etched in football history. This wasn't just a game; it was an emotional rollercoaster, a tactical masterclass, and a showcase of sheer willpower. From Argentina's early dominance to France's stunning comeback, every moment was packed with drama. Buckle up, because we're about to relive every heart-stopping second!

Argentina's Early Dominance

The final kicked off with Argentina coming out of the blocks like a team possessed. Their game plan was clear: control the midfield, suffocate France's creative outlets, and get the ball to Lionel Messi as much as possible. And boy, did they execute it perfectly! Right from the start, the Argentinian midfield, led by the tireless Rodrigo De Paul and the ever-reliable Enzo Fernández, established a stranglehold on the game. They won tackles, intercepted passes, and dictated the tempo with their precise distribution. France, on the other hand, looked completely out of sorts, struggling to string together meaningful passes and barely managing to get out of their own half. Argentina's relentless pressing and tactical discipline left the French players looking shell-shocked.

Then came the moment that sent Argentinian fans into raptures: a penalty awarded after Ángel Di María was brought down in the box. Lionel Messi stepped up and, with his trademark composure, slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way. The stadium erupted, and Argentina had the lead their dominant start deserved. But they weren't content with just one goal. They continued to press and probe, looking for a second to further cement their advantage. And they found it in stunning fashion. A flowing counter-attack, started by a brilliant piece of play from Messi, ended with Di María himself finishing off a sublime move with a cool and collected finish. Argentina were now 2-0 up, and France looked like they were on the verge of being completely overwhelmed. The Argentinian fans were in dreamland, chanting and singing their hearts out, convinced that their team was on their way to lifting the trophy.

France's Stunning Comeback

Just when everyone thought France was down and out, Kylian Mbappé decided to take matters into his own hands. In the 97th minute, France was awarded a penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Randal Kolo Muani. Mbappé stepped up and, with ice in his veins, dispatched the penalty past Emiliano Martínez. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope for the French. And just a minute later, Mbappé struck again, this time with an absolute screamer of a volley. A deflected pass fell perfectly for him, and he unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew into the back of the net. In the space of just two minutes, Mbappé had turned the game on its head, bringing France level and sending the match into extra time. The momentum had completely shifted, and Argentina were now the ones looking rattled.

Mbappé's incredible comeback not only leveled the score but also injected a huge dose of belief into the French team. They started to play with renewed energy and purpose, pushing Argentina back and creating more chances. The Argentinian players, who had been so dominant in the first half, now looked tired and nervous. The French midfield, which had been completely overrun earlier in the game, started to win more battles and dictate the play. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both sets of fans on the edge of their seats, knowing that the next goal could be decisive. The game had completely transformed from a one-sided affair into a tense and evenly contested battle.

Extra Time Drama

Extra time began with both teams understandably cautious, wary of making a mistake that could cost them the game. However, it wasn't long before the drama resumed. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi appeared to have scored the winning goal, tapping in from close range after Hugo Lloris had saved from Lautaro Martínez. The Argentinian fans erupted once again, believing that their team had finally clinched the victory. But France refused to give up. In the 118th minute, they were awarded another penalty after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel. Kylian Mbappé stepped up once again and completed his hat-trick, sending the ball past Emiliano Martínez for the third time and bringing France level once more. The game was now tied at 3-3, and penalties loomed.

The final few minutes of extra time were filled with tension and near misses. Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to win it for France, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez. At the other end, Lautaro Martínez also had a chance to score, but his effort went just wide. Both teams were exhausted but still pushing for that elusive winning goal. However, neither side could find it, and the match went to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with every kick carrying the weight of a nation's hopes and dreams. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi both scored their penalties, but Kingsley Coman's effort was saved by Emiliano Martínez. Paulo Dybala then converted his penalty for Argentina, putting them in a commanding position. Aurélien Tchouaméni then missed his penalty for France, piling the pressure on them. Leandro Paredes scored Argentina's next penalty, meaning that they were just one kick away from victory. Randal Kolo Muani scored his penalty to give France a glimmer of hope, but Gonzalo Montiel then stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net, securing the victory for Argentina. The Argentinian players and fans erupted in jubilation, while the French players slumped to the ground in despair. Argentina had won the World Cup for the first time since 1986!

Key Moments and Performances

• Lionel Messi's performance: Messi's seven goals and three assists throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball award, and his composed penalty in the final set the tone for Argentina's early dominance. His overall performance was a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering determination.
• Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick: Mbappé's incredible hat-trick in the final was a display of his extraordinary talent and never-say-die attitude. Despite being on the losing side, he won the Golden Boot award with eight goals.
• Emiliano Martínez's saves: Martínez's penalty shootout heroics and crucial save in extra time proved decisive in Argentina's victory. His confidence and ability to perform under pressure were invaluable to his team.
• Argentina's midfield dominance: The performances of Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández in midfield were crucial to Argentina's success. Their energy, tackling, and distribution helped to control the game and create chances for their team.

Conclusion

The 2022 World Cup Final was a truly unforgettable match, filled with drama, excitement, and moments of individual brilliance. Argentina's victory was a fitting end to a tournament that captivated the world. The game was a testament to the enduring power of football to unite people and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an Argentina fan or not, you have to admit that this was a final for the ages! What a game, what a tournament, and what a moment for Lionel Messi and Argentina! This is a World Cup Final that will be talked about for generations. Did you enjoy the game, guys? Let me know in the comments! :D