18 December 2022
A World Cup final that will go down in history!
Argentina and France put on a spectacle that will long be remembered. The Albiceleste triumphed on penalties at the end of a sensational match to be crowned world champions for the third time in their history!
Lionel Messi scored two in between a Di Maria strike for the eventual winners, a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé twice tied the match, first over the 90 minutes, then in extra time.
Argentina dominated the opening three quarters of the game. A two goal lead was just reward for their supremacy following first-half goals from Messi - from a penalty awarded for a foul on Di Maria - and El Fideo himself.
In the closing 10 minutes France hauled themselves back in the game through their superstar, Mbappé, who converted a penalty to give his side a lifeline to then equalise a couple of minutes later.
Argentina regained supremacy in extra time, with Messi again adding the finishing touch. Di Maria had been replaced on 64 minutes, but Paredes had just been introduced before the Albiceleste took a 3-2 advantage. Rabiot had also been substituted in the French ranks, taken off in the 6th minute of extra time.
All over? Anything but. From the penalty spot again, Mbappé completed his hat-trick to pull Les Bleus level for the second time. Both sides had chances to win the contest in time added on in extra time but it was to be decided on penalties.
Argentina converted all four of their penalties, Paredes was third up and his finish gave Argentina a 3-1 advantage. Montiel converted the match point to put his name in the history books.
The curtain came down on the Qatar World Cup after a fittingly spectacular final - with Angel and Leandro crowned world champions!
