Argentina vs. France: The Epic FIFA World Cup 2022 Final & Penalties

The Duel of Titans: A Final for the Ages

December 18, 2022. Lusail Stadium. The air crackled with anticipation, a palpable tension stretching across the globe. It was more than just a football match; it was destiny's dance, a clash between two footballing giants: Lionel Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappé's France. What unfolded was arguably the greatest World Cup final in history, a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical masterstrokes, and individual brilliance, culminating in an unbelievable fifa world cup 2022 final score and penalties showdown that left the world breathless. For Sports News, this wasn't just a game; cyber_bong da/nhan dinh bong da/ty le keo nha cai viettel vs hougang united 17h00 ngay 30 6 tt47914 it was a testament to the beautiful game's boundless drama.

Argentina's Early Dominance: A Dream Start

With the score tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the World Cup final headed into extra time, a grueling test of endurance, nerve, and skill. Both teams pushed for a winner, knowing one mistake could be fatal. The first period of extra time saw chances for both sides, with Lautaro Martínez missing a couple of opportunities for Argentina.

Messi, with the weight of a nation on his shoulders, cyber_ket qua bong da paok saloniki vs lamia tt233872038 coolly converted the spot-kick, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way and igniting the Albiceleste faithful. It was a goal that felt inevitable, a precursor to the magic that was to come. Just 13 minutes later, Argentina doubled their lead. A breathtaking counter-attack, spearheaded by Messi's exquisite flick and Alexis Mac Allister's perfectly weighted pass, found Di María. The veteran winger, tearfully emotional, slotted past Lloris to make it 2-0. France looked shell-shocked, their usual fluidity absent, seemingly overwhelmed by Argentina's intensity and tactical superiority. Didier Deschamps made a drastic double substitution before half-time, bringing on Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram for Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé, a clear sign of his dissatisfaction.​

Mbappé's Masterclass: France's Stunning Comeback

From the first whistle, Argentina played with a hunger that bordered on desperation, fueled by the collective dream of crowning their captain, Lionel Messi. Coach Lionel Scaloni's tactical setup was impeccable, stifling France's midfield and isolating their star attackers. The decision to start Ángel Di María on the left wing, a move many questioned pre-match, proved to be a stroke of genius. Di María, playing with renewed vigor, tormented Jules Kounde and earned Argentina a penalty in the 23rd minute after a clumsy challenge.

Lionel Messi stepped up first for Argentina and calmly dispatched his penalty, setting the tone. For France, Kingsley Coman's effort was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez, who once again proved to be the hero. Paulo Dybala then scored for Argentina, followed by Aurelien Tchouaméni, cyber_tu ket vck vsc s2 xskt dak lak danh bai du lich tt64474 who dragged his shot wide for France, giving Argentina a significant advantage. Leandro Paredes converted Argentina's third, putting them on the brink. Randal Kolo Muani scored for France, keeping their faint hopes alive. But it was Gonzalo Montiel, the player who conceded the last penalty in extra time, who stepped up to take Argentina's fourth spot-kick. With ice in his veins, Montiel slotted the ball past Lloris, securing a 4-2 victory in the shootout.

Extra Time Drama: Goals, Saves, and Near Misses

Just when it seemed the game couldn't offer any more twists, Emiliano Martínez produced a save that will be replayed for decades. In the dying seconds of extra time, Kolo Muani found himself clean through on goal, with only Martínez to beat. The Argentine goalkeeper spread himself wide and made an incredible block with his left leg, denying France a last-gasp winner and forcing the match into a penalty shootout. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underscored the importance of every player in a contest ultimately decided by the fifa world cup 2022 final score and penalties.

However, it was Lionel Messi who once again stepped into the spotlight in the 108th minute. A powerful shot from Lautaro Martínez was parried by Lloris, and Messi, following up, bundled the rebound over the line. The stadium exploded again, convinced this was the winning goal. Argentina led 3-2, and the fairytale ending seemed back on track. But the drama was far from over. In the 118th minute, Mbappé earned another penalty after his shot struck Gonzalo Montiel's arm. The French superstar once again stepped up, completing his hat-trick and becoming only the second player in World Cup final history to do so, leveling the score at 3-3.

The second half began with France still struggling to find their rhythm, and Argentina seemingly cruising towards glory. The dream scenario for Messi and his teammates was unfolding perfectly. However, football, as we know, is a game of fine margins and unpredictable turns. For 79 minutes, Kylian Mbappé had been largely anonymous, expertly marshaled by the Argentine defense. But then, in a blink, the narrative flipped on its head.

The Ultimate Test: How Argentina Won the Penalty Shootout

The FIFA World Cup 2022 final was more than just a match; it was a narrative masterpiece. It cemented Lionel Messi's status as the undisputed greatest of all time, completing his legendary career with the ultimate prize. It showcased Kylian Mbappé's incredible talent and resilience, proving he is destined to dominate the sport for years to come, even in defeat. For Argentina, it was the culmination of a long, arduous journey, a triumph born of passion, unity, and unwavering belief.

The eruption of joy was immediate and overwhelming. Argentina were World Champions for the third time, and Lionel Messi had finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him his entire career. The fifa world cup 2022 final score and penalties forever etched in history, not just for the spectacle, but for the dramatic conclusion that delivered Argentina their third star.​

This final will be remembered for its relentless drama, its incredible individual performances, and the sheer emotional intensity it delivered. It was a game that had everything: early dominance, a stunning comeback, extra-time heroics, and a nail-biting penalty shootout. The football world witnessed history being made, a final that truly transcended the sport.

Legacy Cemented: What the Final Meant

The penalty shootout is football's cruelest yet most exhilarating decider. With the score locked at 3-3 after 120 minutes, the fate of the FIFA World Cup 2022 rested on five kicks from 12 yards. The tension was unbearable, the stakes immeasurable. Argentina, having lost two previous World Cup finals, knew this was their moment.

In the 80th minute, Kolo Muani was brought down in the box, and Mbappé stepped up to convert the penalty, giving France a lifeline. The momentum shift was instantaneous and seismic. Just 97 seconds later, Mbappé produced a moment of pure genius. Combining with Thuram, he unleashed a stunning volley past Emiliano Martínez, leveling the score at 2-2. The stadium erupted, a mix of disbelief and euphoria. Argentina, who had been so dominant, suddenly looked vulnerable, their lead evaporating in a terrifying flash. The match, which seemed decided, was now an open war, setting the stage for what would become the decisive fifa world cup 2022 final score and penalties.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

The FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France was a spectacle that will live long in the memory of every football fan. The incredible twists and turns, the sheer quality of the goals, and the ultimate drama of the penalty shootout combined to create a truly unforgettable event. The fifa world cup 2022 final score and penalties remain a testament to the beautiful game's unpredictable magic and its capacity to deliver moments of pure ecstasy and agony. If you haven't seen it, we urge you to rewatch this epic encounter and experience the greatest World Cup final ever played.