Argentina Vs France: World Cup Final Highlights
What a match, guys! The 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France was an absolute rollercoaster, a true spectacle of football that will be etched in history. If you missed any of the drama, the goals, or the sheer intensity, you're in for a treat as we break down the Argentina vs France highlights that had everyone on the edge of their seats. This wasn't just a game; it was a battle of titans, a clash of footballing philosophies, and a testament to the beautiful game's ability to captivate the world.
From the get-go, Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, came out with purpose. They looked determined to finally clinch that elusive World Cup trophy, a dream that has followed Messi throughout his illustrious career. France, on the other hand, the reigning champions, were no pushovers. With Kylian Mbappé spearheading their attack, they were ready to defend their crown and cement their status as a dominant force in international football. The air in the stadium was thick with anticipation, and you could feel the weight of the world watching as these two footballing giants prepared to dance.
The Opening Stanza: Argentina Takes the Lead
The first half saw Argentina assert their dominance. They were sharper, more cohesive, and clearly more motivated. The Argentina vs France highlights of this period are dominated by their fluid passing and intelligent movement off the ball. In the 25th minute, a moment of brilliance from Ăngel Di MarĂa, who had a phenomenal game, led to Argentina's opening goal. He was brought down in the box by Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, and the referee pointed to the spot. Lionel Messi, cool as ever, stepped up and slotted the penalty past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentine fans into a frenzy. It was the breakthrough they needed, a testament to their attacking prowess and Messi's unerring ability to perform under pressure. This goal set the tone, and Argentina continued to press, looking for more.
As the first half wore on, Argentina doubled their lead. It was a goal of pure teamwork and exquisite finishing. A swift counter-attack saw Messi involved again, feeding the ball to JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, who then released Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister, with incredible vision, played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ăngel Di MarĂa, who finished it off with aplomb. It was a stunning goal, a masterclass in attacking play that left the French defense bewildered. The scoreline read 2-0 to Argentina, and many thought the game was all but over. The first half highlights of the Argentina vs France clash painted a picture of Argentine superiority.
France's Fiery Comeback: Mbappé Ignites the Spark
However, football, as we all know, is a game of unpredictable turns. The second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround orchestrated by the electrifying Kylian Mbappé. France, who had looked somewhat subdued in the first half, came out with renewed vigor and a burning desire to get back into the game. The Argentina vs France highlights from this period are all about Mbappé's individual brilliance and France's newfound attacking impetus. In the 70th minute, Nicolas Otamendi conceded a penalty for a foul on Randal Kolo Muani. Mbappé stepped up to take it, and just like Messi, he converted it with confidence, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal was the catalyst for France's resurgence.
Just minutes later, MbappĂ© struck again, and this time it was a goal of sheer individual genius. He played a quick one-two with Marcus Thuram, then unleashed a thunderous volley past Emiliano MartĂnez. It was an incredible strike, a moment of pure magic that leveled the scores at 2-2. The stadium erupted, and the momentum had well and truly shifted. The Argentina vs France highlights now showed a different game entirely, with France suddenly looking like the team most likely to score. The defending champions had shown their mettle, their resilience, and their championship pedigree. It was a stunning display of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Extra Time: A Seesaw Battle for Supremacy
The match went into extra time, and the tension was palpable. Both teams knew that a single mistake could cost them the World Cup. The Argentina vs France highlights in extra time were a nail-biting affair. Argentina regained the lead in the 108th minute. Lautaro MartĂnez, who had come on as a substitute, had his shot saved by Lloris, but the rebound fell to Lionel Messi. He smashed the ball towards the goal, and although it was possibly cleared off the line by a French defender, the goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had crossed the line. It was Messi's second goal of the match, and Argentina were leading 3-2. The dream was almost a reality for La Albiceleste.
But France, led by the indomitable Mbappé, were not done yet. In the 118th minute, a handball by Gonzalo Montiel in the Argentine box gave France another penalty. Mbappé, with ice in his veins, completed his hat-trick, scoring his third goal of the final and his eighth of the tournament. He became only the second player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in the final. The score was now 3-3, and it was clear this game was destined for a penalty shootout. The Argentina vs France highlights of extra time were a testament to the unyielding spirit of both teams, who refused to give up.
Penalty Shootout: The Ultimate Test of Nerves
The penalty shootout was the ultimate test of nerve and skill. The Argentina vs France highlights from this stage are fraught with the agony and ecstasy of spot-kicks. Argentina scored their first penalty through Messi. France responded with MbappĂ©. Argentina's Dybala then scored. France's Coman had his penalty saved by the heroic Emiliano MartĂnez, who had a fantastic game. Argentina's Paredes converted his penalty. France's TchouamĂ©ni missed his, hitting the post. Finally, Gonzalo Montiel stepped up for Argentina. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he calmly slotted the ball home, securing Argentina's third World Cup title. The scenes of jubilation that followed were immense, a release of years of pent-up emotion and desire. The Argentina vs France highlights concluded with Argentina lifting the trophy, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy for their fans and for Lionel Messi, who finally achieved his lifelong dream.
This final will be remembered for many reasons: the incredible goals, the dramatic comebacks, the individual brilliance of Messi and Mbappé, and the sheer entertainment value. It was a game that had everything, a true classic that showcased the very best of international football. The Argentina vs France highlights are a must-watch for any football fan, a reminder of why we love this sport so much. It was a final for the ages, a fitting end to a thrilling World Cup tournament. What did you guys think of the game? Let us know in the comments below!
