The Argentinian team were declared world champions this Sunday by beating France in the final in a penalty shootout after the game ended 3-3. The team led by Lionel Scaloni has won his country’s third World Cup title after those won in 1978 and 1986. These are the proper names of the final that made the finishing point of Qatar 2022.
Unprecedented in the first half, in which France did not even shoot on goal, it ultimately made the final more difficult. In the second act, he startled his teammates with a poor start before conceding two goals, including a penalty, in just one minute. He couldn’t help it either. He avoided greater harm in second-act extra time by stopping a shot from Rabiot and was decisive to take the game to a penalty shootout when his foot saved a Kolo Muani shot in the dying breath of extra time. He was also decisive in the shootout, one of the protagonists of the Argentine title.
He stopped a throw from Mac Allister before colliding with Romero for several minutes. He let go of any doubt. There was nothing he could do about Messi’s penalty or Di María’s finish on the second goal, but he excelled in Messi’s shot in the last minute of the second half. It gained notoriety as the duel progressed.
Another afternoon, he left feeling better on offense than on defense. Indecisive, he complicated his team with two poor deliveries in the first half. He was out of place, barely contributed and was substituted in the second act. A disappointing performance.
After a game in which he went largely unnoticed, he eventually grew and in the first part of extra time saved two goals by avoiding two clear shots from Lautaro Martínez.
It was the last minute novelty in the Argentine defense, in which he replaced Acuña. Dembélé didn’t give him a hard time in the first 45 minutes and he had a comfortable afternoon until the French response arrived. His offensive contribution is low.
He spent his worst afternoon in the World Cup playing at right-back as Di María faced him and always beat him in duels. Reserve, contributed little to the attack.
He signed an excellent game which he sealed by scoring the second Argentine goal, culminating in a book counter. Decisive and quick on the left flank, he put Koundé in big trouble and was one of the highlights of Scaloni’s team, sending him to the bench after the hour of play. His departure coincided with the gala response.
Leading up to the final, he was weakened by a virus, like other members of his team, missed totally in the first half, like the rest of his teammates, and France missed him. He saw yellow for an ugly tackle on De Paul. He was infected with his team’s latest improvement and was able to score in the second half extension, but Dibu Martínez saved his shot.
A great game from the young Argentinian, who mastered the midfield. Attentive to the cut, he stole several balls and easily started the match for Argentina. A great climax to his excellent World Cup.
His performance was the highlight of his disappointing World Cup. He contributed nothing offensively and in defense he was innocent in pushing Di María into the area when the opposition had won. An action sanctioned with the penalty that opened the Argentine victory. He was substituted for rest.
The mirror of Argentina’s warrior spirit. Generous in the effort, he multiplied to help Nahuel keep Mbappé dry. He was everywhere and he liked to join in the attack too, although he didn’t like his crosses in the area as his dangling balls never found a finisher. An exceptional job.
Without a doubt his weakest performance in Qatar. He was more concerned with defending than chasing the rival goal, and struggled to make contact with the ball, causing problems for France to weave their attacks. He was only concerned about set pieces. He was substituted with 20 minutes to go.
His dynamic, always looking for balls into space, caused Varane and Upamecano a lot of trouble. Physical waste and solidarity in defense.
Very lost before the break. He barely managed to intercept and steal balls. He found himself completely outmatched by the Argentine midfield, though he eventually fell into line. Like his selection, he went from less to more.
Highly motivated, he played a brilliant game and made history by becoming the player with the most appearances in World Cup matches (26), but not only because of that. He was good at playing between the lines, scoring a penalty and repeating it in extra time to give the title to his team. He was once again the leader when Argentina needed him most and eventually consecrated himself as world champion.
He played in France’s only intentional shot in the first half, a header that went high although play was called off for leaning on Di María on the jump. He barely contributed and was substituted before the break. A sad end for a footballer who entered the history of the French team in Qatar by becoming the top scorer.
His finish was disappointing until he scored two goals within one minute, the first from a penalty kick, to complete a draw (2-2). Much was expected of him, but until that last reaction, he was tainted with his team’s gray tone. It took him 70 minutes to collect his leg to make his first shot, though he ended up signing a hat-trick. He scored from the penalty spot and then a superb goal that took the game to extra time. He appeared late, although it eventually turned into a storm as a shot from him set off the penalty which once again gave France the equalizer in added time, again thanks to another execution by the French star.
His entry before the break brought muscle, power and speed to France, eventually becoming the snub Deschamps needed, as it triggered the penalty that gave way to the French reaction.
He pressed up, contributed lungs and was decisive for France to send the game to extra time with a great wall that Mbappé didn’t miss.
His participation prompted Argentina’s reaction in extra time. Upamecano stopped him by blocking two shots, but he didn’t break down and kept pushing. Another shot from him, deflected by Lloris, led to Messi’s shot, Argentina’s third goal.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
