December 18, 2022
Doha
France won the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, defeating Argentina 4-3 in the final. The match, which went to extra-time, was decided by Randal Kolo Muani in the 122nd minute to bring France a dramatic second straight World Cup win.
The peaceful night sky over Doha was shining above the Lusail stadium, where the final of the World Cup was taking place sunday night. The quadrennial tournament, the largest sporting event in the world, culminated with a clash of two giants: Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, looking to win the only trophy he is yet to win, and Argentina’s first World Cup in four decades; on the other side, France, looking to become the first nation in fifty years to renew their title, having won in 2018.
The match started brightly for Argentina. In the 20th minute, Argentina’s Angel Di Maria passed his defender, and was clipped from behind by Ousman Dembele: penalty for Argentina. Lionel Messi made no mistake from the spot: Argentina 1-0 France.
France didnt look ready for the game in the first half. It was Argentina, that doubled its lead in the 37th minute. A stellar passing combination freed Alexis MacAllister, who played the ball to a wide open Di Maria. 2-0.
It was looking sealed and shut until the 78th minute. Out of the blue, Marcus Thuram was pulled back in the penalty box. Kylian Mbappe subsequently cut the lead in half. Hope for France.
That hope was capitalized on just minutes later. Kingles Coman stole the ball from Messi at midfield, before launching a hail mary ball towards Mbappe at the corner of the box, who it found. Mbappe played a quick one two with Thuram to fool the Argentine defense, before thundering a half volley past the outstreched glove of Emi Martinez. All of a sudden, Argentina’s path to gold became a lot more difficult.
The last ten saw little action, and the final went to extra-time.
In the 108th minute, the world held its breath. A poor Lautaro Martinez shot rebounded straight to Lionel Messi himself, who managed to get the ball over the goal line, as it seemed. Sure enough, at the conclusion of the var check, it was 3-2 Argentina. It seemed like destiny, that Lionel Messi would decide the world cup final, and finally win the trophy he has so long wanted.
Destiny had other plans. And it was in the name of Kylian Mbappe. The ball landed to him at the corner of a box as Argentina were filling the box and blocking shots desperately. Mbappe tried curling the ball towards the net, but it struck the hand of Gonzalo Montiel, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappe made it three for him, three for France, and seemingly took the World Cup Final to penalties.
But alas, no. An innocent looking bouncing ball was misjudged by the Argentine defense in the 122nd minute, leaving Randal Kolo Muani through on goal. The youngster finished like a true veteran, calmly finishing the ball over the helpless Emi Martinez.
It was ecstasy for France, heartbreak for Argentina. As the final whistle sounded, France remained champions, Agony persisted for Argentina.