World Cup Final: Argentina defeats France in dramatic penalty shootout as Qatar World Cup ends
Qatar officials say they delivered on their promise of an exceptional World Cup, but what is its legacy for those who put it together? Plus, all the reaction from Argentina’s victory.
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FINAL RESULT
Argentina 3 (Argentina wins 4-2 on penalties)
Messi 23’, 108’
Di Maria 36’
France 3
Mbappe 80’, 81’, 118’
Rasheed celebrated Argentina’s World Cup win singing and dancing with dozens of other South Asian workers with a double landmark on his mind. Sunday was also International Migrants Day.
“Messi, Messi Messi,” they chanted in a corner of Souq Waqif, the central market in the Qatari capital Doha where hordes of foreign fans have gathered throughout the World Cup.
“At first they laughed at us as ‘fake fans’ but I think they have come to accept us now,” said Rasheed, who wore a T-shirt with the word “rights” written across the front. He could not give his full name out of fear of action by his Qatari employers.
Workers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka helped build many of Qatar’s eight stadiums, and to fill them for the matches. India was one of the top ticket-buying nations.
But photo portraits of the workers who built the Lusail stadium where Sunday’s final was held were taken down from its walls just before the tournament started. Few of the 88,000 people inside were from South Asia.
“It is very rare that we can come out and celebrate like this,” said Shafiq, from the Indian state of Kerala, who celebrated while wearing an Argentina shirt.
“Normally we all stay in the worker zones. We all wonder what will happen after the World Cup.”
– REFORM ‘COMMITMENT’ –
Labour rights have been a hot topic for Qatar, virtually since it was awarded the World Cup 12 years ago.
Rights groups say the death toll on Qatar’s mega-projects has been under-reported and condemned the conditions endured by migrants who make up more than 80 per cent of the 2.9 million population.
Even some of the Gulf state’s closest allies have sought reassurances that recent reforms will stay in place.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador at the United Nations who led President Joe Biden’s delegation at the World Cup final, raised the topic in a meeting Sunday with Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Greenfield highlighted the importance of the US-Qatar “strategic partnership” but also “encouraged Qatar to demonstrate its commitment to labour reforms and human rights beyond the World Cup,” said a US statement.
Other ministers who have visited during the World Cup say they have given a similar message.
Qatar, which has also faced pressure over conditions for women and the LGBTQ community, has pointed to changes over the past five years.
It says that a minimum wage, ending a draconian labour regulation system and restricting work time in searing summer temperatures have made Qatar a leader in the Gulf region.
Labour Minister Ali bin Samikh Al Marri has insisted Qatar will stick to the reform path.
Rights groups have called for a special fund to compensate workers who died on Qatar’s monumental building projects.
The government says a fund for stolen and lost wages has already paid out more than $350 million and can compensate for injuries and deaths.
FIFA has promised to give details soon of a legacy fund for this World Cup that it says will help workers in other countries. It allotted $100 million to a fund after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
No official events were held for the UN day for migrants however and rights groups have doubts about the future.
“This World Cup in Qatar will indeed be remembered for all the wrong reasons: as the most expensive sporting event ever – and the most deadly,” said Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch.
--AFP
QATAR EMIR SAYS ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ WORLD CUP DELIVERED TO FANS
AFP
Qatar’s ruler said Sunday that the Gulf state had delivered on a vow to hold an “exceptional” World Cup
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who gave Argentina captain Lionel Messi a traditional Arab cloak after his side won the trophy, paid tribute to the finalists and fans in a Twitter statement after the match.
“We have fulfilled our promise to organise an exceptional championship by Arab countries, which provided an opportunity for the people of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values,” the emir said.
Qatar spent more than $200 billion on stadiums and new infrastructure ahead of the first World Cup in an Arab nation, which FIFA leader Gianni Infantino has said was the “best ever”.
But the Gulf state has faced relentless criticism over its rights record and the treatment of foreign labourers.
Qatar’s leaders said the attacks were an attempt to cast doubt on the Arab world’s right to hold such big events.
Messi was prominently pictured wearing a ‘bisht’ traditional cloak that the emir presented the Argentina icon before he lifted the World Cup trophy.
—AFP
MESSI’S $15M CHEQUE AND A CONGA: HOW ARGENTINA CELEBRATED
Argentina wildly celebrated their World Cup victory in the dressing room after the match.
In footage recorded by Argentine legend Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and co could be seen getting the party started immediately after leaving the pitch.
Aguero, 34, was forced to retire with health issues last year – but was invited back into the Argentina camp this week and made to still feel part of the victory.
The former Manchester City star even donned a full kit to get into the spirit of things, and his Instagram Live footage documented Argentina’s brilliant celebrations.
Lionel Messi dancing on the table with the World Cup 😠(🎥 @aguerosergiokun) pic.twitter.com/yb9luzlBmf
— GOAL (@goal) December 18, 2022
His video began with a moment that will warm City fans’ hearts – as he chatted with current Etihad hero Julian Alvarez.
Aguero then started swigging from a bottle, as the squad danced and sang to Latin music.
After the ex-striker had a chat with Angel Di Maria, he then captured another pal on camera sensationally somersaulting into a bin.
Much more singing and dancing was to follow, with tournament sponsors Budweiser leaving plenty of bottles of beer out for the squad.
Messi then sensationally returned to the dressing room clutching the World Cup itself, clambering up on to the table and jumping up and down on it.
Boss Lionel Scaloni then arrived donning a retro Argentina shirt, and was promptly drenched by his players.
Argentina’s sing-song continued as Aguero was gleefully dragged into a Conga.
A $10 million (AU$15m) cheque was brought in by an official and held by Messi, who then danced with the huge prize.
Aguero then recorded Messi scrolling through his phone, without his old pal realising.
Stars also sang and danced as they went through the mixed zone after the match.
Originally published by The Sun
Sergio Aguero with a “RIP BOZO†for France #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/COAxR4Yrls
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) December 18, 2022
GOAT DEBATE SETTLED: WC’S RONALDO SLAP AFTER MESSI HEROICS
Lionel Messi crowned his glittering career with victory in the World Cup on Sunday as Argentina beat France on penalties in a final for the ages, triumphing 4-2 in the shootout after Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick ensured the game ended level at 3-3 following extra time.
Gonzalo Montiel rolled in the deciding penalty to give Argentina their third World Cup and prevent France becoming the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy.
But a truly remarkable match saw Messi and Mbappe live up to their billing, with Messi scoring twice and Mbappe becoming the first player since England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966 to net a World Cup final hat-trick.
Messi opened the scoring with a penalty midway through the first half before Angel Di Maria doubled Argentina’s lead on the counter-attack in the 36th minute.
SCROLL DOWN TO RECAP THE FINAL
We will never see a player like Messi ever again.
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) December 18, 2022
But the astonishing Mbappe breathed life into the holders as he pulled one back from the spot with 10 minutes left before equalising in stunning fashion just 60 seconds later to force extra time.
Messi then seemed to have decided the contest in Argentina’s favour once and for all when he scored again in the 109th minute, only for Mbappe to net another spot-kick, making it 3-3 and forcing a shootout.
The third World Cup final penalty shootout started with Messi and Mbappe both scoring, but Kingsley Coman’s next kick for France was saved and Aurelien Tchouameni then crucially missed the target.
It is the second time in five World Cups that France have lost the final on penalties after their defeat to Italy in 2006, and it is Argentina who are champions for the first time since 1986.
The win allows Messi, at 35, to complete his glorious career by emulating the great Diego Maradona.
“Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he told Argentine television.
“My career is coming to end because these are my final years. What more could there be after this?” But he said he would continue with the Argentina squad.
“I want to keep experiencing a few more matches as world champion,” he added.
This will be remembered as his tournament despite the best efforts of Mbappe, who finished as the top scorer on eight goals, one more than Messi.
“If he wants to keep playing, he will be with us,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told his post-match press conference.
“He is more than entitled to decide whether he wants to keep playing for Argentina or not or what he wants to do with his career.
“He is such a huge player for us. It is such a pleasure for us to coach him and his teammates. Everything he transmits to his teammates is unparalleled — something I’ve never seen before.”
ðŸ The GOAT debate is settled. The ultimate prize is now part of the collection. The legacy is complete.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
On the day @Argentina won their third #FIFAWorldCup, Leo Messi is your @Budweiser Player of the Match. ðŸ
🇦🇷 #ARGFRA 🇫🇷 #POTM#YoursToTake#BringHomeTheBud@budfootballpic.twitter.com/4wAQD2pSyt
Post-match, the official Fifa World Cup account tweeted: “The GOAT debate is settled. The ultimate prize is now part of the collection. The legacy is complete.”
France coach Didier Deschamps added: “I don’t want to take any merit away from Argentina but there are lots and lots of emotions and it was cruel at the end because we were so close.”
France’s quest for history was threatened by a virus in the days before the final and they appeared sluggish before Argentina went ahead.
Di Maria was clipped in the box by Ousmane Dembele, and Messi scored from the spot, his 12th World Cup goal allowing him to equal Pele’s tally.
Argentina then increased their lead as Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to release Alexis Mac Allister, and he played a first-time ball to the back post for Di Maria to finish.
Having hardly featured in the knockout rounds due to injury, Di Maria returned here and appeared tearful as he celebrated his goal, which was a World Cup final classic.
France had not even mustered a shot and Deschamps moved before the interval to replace Olivier Giroud and the struggling Dembele. On came Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram, as Mbappe moved into the middle of the attack.
Argentina had blown a two-goal lead before eventually emerging victorious in their last World Cup final triumph 36 years ago, but there appeared little prospect of a repeat of that scenario.
However, the French were suddenly given hope when they won a late penalty as Kolo Muani was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi.
Mbappe smashed in the spot-kick and the watching French President Emmanuel Macron rose to his feet. France had belief, and within another minute they were level.
Messi was robbed of possession by Coman in the lead-up, before Mbappe found Thuram and then met his partner’s knockdown with a stunning volley.
It will go down as one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history, and the French players on the bench raced across the pitch to celebrate with their teammate.
Argentina, who lost the 2014 final in extra time, looked shattered, and yet it seemed again that they had won it when Messi netted after Lautaro Martinez’s shot was saved.
But France were once more saved by Mbappe as he converted another penalty following a Montiel handball.
Argentina needed a brilliant Emiliano Martinez save from Kolo Muani to force penalties before Montiel’s deciding kick sparked wild celebrations.
ARGENTINIAN-BORN CALLER’S BRILLIANT CELEBRATION
Argentinian-American caller Andres Cantor has gone viral after his emotional and passionate call of the moment Argentina won the World Cup.
Check it out below.
PELE'S PRAISE FOR LEGENDARY MESSI
AFP
Brazilian legend Pele said Lionel Messi “deserved” to be a World Cup winner after Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved,” Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, wrote on Instagram.
Pele also hailed French striker Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat-trick in the final which had ended 3-3 after extra-time before coolly slotting in a penalty in the shootout.
“My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.”
CRAZY SCENES IN BUENOS AIRES
Live look at Buenos Aires right now 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/bQBenwiLtH
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2022
ARGENTINA PLAYERS PARTY IN MEDIA ZONE
The Argentina players are having a party in the media mixed zone!#FIFAWorldCup#ARGpic.twitter.com/78zqcXzwst
— The Sun Football âš½ (@TheSunFootball) December 18, 2022
MESSI DECLARES INTERNATIONAL FUTURE
Argentina star Lionel Messi on Sunday vowed to continue playing for his country despite finally realising his lifetime ambition of winning the World Cup.
“I want to keep experiencing a few more matches as world champion,” Messi, 35, told Argentine television following the country’s epic penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup final in Doha.
But Messi admitted his career was almost finished after the Argentina captain landed the one major international trophy missing from his collection.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored two goals in the stunning and chaotic final that ended 3-3 after 120 absorbing minutes, before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his spot-kick in the shootout that Argentina won 4-2.
“Obviously I would like to end my career with this, I cannot ask for more,” said Messi.
“My career is nearly over because these are my last years.” And after so many disappointments on the biggest stage in football, including losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany in Brazil, Messi said he always felt his time would come.
“It’s crazy that it happened at the time it happened, but it’s amazing,” he said.
“It’s amazing that it could end this way. I said previously that God was going to grant me this and I don’t know why but I felt it was going to be this time.” Turning his attentions to the match itself, Messi said it was hard to explain after Argentina let slip a two-goal lead late in the game for the second time, following their quarter-final victory over the Netherlands a week earlier.
Argentina led 2-0 at half-time and went 3-2 up during extra-time but a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick, with two late goals in normal time and another in the extra period, pinned Argentina back, taking the game to penalties.
“It was a very strange match, the same as the other one against the Netherlands, and then when we went ahead in extra-time it happened again,” said Messi.
But, he added, the World Cup trophy “is beautiful.”
PICTURES: HOW ARGENTINA CELEBRATED
MELBOURNE GOES MAD FOR MESSI, ARGENTINA
Don’t bother trying to get off at Flinders Street Station, it’s Buenos Aires in here 🇦🇷ðŸ†#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/fyxz3ysOkg
— Sebastian Hassett (@sebth) December 18, 2022
ARGENTINIAN GREAT AGUERO’S ‘JOHN TERRY’ MOMENT
Jake Sanders, The Sun
John Terry joked “I did it first” as Sergio Aguero wore full kit to celebrate Argentina winning the World Cup.
Aguero was forced to retire from football last December but the former La Albiceleste star joined the rest of the team to celebrate their thrilling shootout victory over France in Qatar.
The amazing scenes came following arguably the best World Cup final of all time.Lionel Messi started it off by putting Argentina ahead from the penalty spot before Angel Di Maria’s strike put them on the cusp of glory.
But France battled back from nowhere and were suddenly level within the space of 60 seconds thanks to the devastating Kylian Mbappe.
As a result, the game went to extra-time.
The night looked like belonging to Messi when he scored his second and Argentina’s third early in the second period of extra-time.
But there was further drama to follow when Mbappe struck home his second spot-kick to complete his hat-trick and send the game to penalties.
Both Messi and Mbappe were successful from 12-yards.
Although Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni failed to score and Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
Cue wild celebrations from the entire Argentina squad, who ended 36 years of pain on the World Cup stage.
Joining them on the pitch was Aguero, who won more than 100 caps for his country and played at three World Cups.
But the ex-Manchester City striker was forced to hang up his boots 12 months due to his health.
However, Aguero, who recently flew out to Qatar to cheer on his former team and has been rooming with good friend Messi, was on the pitch celebrating with his old pals.
And Aguero repeated what Terry did when Chelsea won the Champions League by putting on his full kit before joining in.
Even the former Blues captain recognised the moment.Speaking on BeIN Sports Terry said: “Aguero has gone for the full John Terry there hasn’t he?! I did it first.”
FRENCH CAPTAIN REACTS TO ‘CRUEL’ RESULT
AFP
France captain Hugo Lloris admitted Sunday’s World Cup final defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina was “cruel” and likened the pulsating showpiece to a “boxing match”.
Argentina triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the final in Doha ended 3-3 in extra time.
“It was like a boxing match, we went blow for blow,” said goalkeeper Lloris who hailed his side after the defending champions had been 2-0 down with just 10 minutes left in normal time before Kylian Mbappe scored twice in quick succession.
“We didn’t give up. We needed a winner and it was decided on penalties. That’s always cruel. We are empty.” Lloris was beaten by all four Argentine penalties in the shootout, including one from Messi who had already scored twice in the game.
“We could have let it slip at 2-0 but we continued to believe that we could turn the game around,” added Lloris, who will turn 36 later this month.
“We must congratulate Argentina who played a great tournament and a great final.”
SCALONI REACTS
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who masterminded the South Americans’ penalty shootout victory over France in Sunday’s World Cup final, called on his compatriots to enjoy the glory.
“It hasn’t yet sunk in but this is a moment to enjoy, especially the people,” Scaloni told the official World Cup media channel in Doha.
“We who live by this have had ups and downs, we’re used to these things happening to us, taking blows,” he added after the remarkable topsy turvy final in the Lusail stadium.
Argentina led 2-0 at half-time and 3-2 with minutes left in extra-time after a Lionel Messi brace and Angel Di Maria’s goal that finished off a sublime one-touch team move.
But a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick kept France in the fight and took the match to a dramatic shootout.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s save from Kingsley Coman and Gonzalo Montiel’s successful strike gave Argentina their third World Cup victory and first since the late great Diego Maradona inspired them to glory in 1986.
“This is what happened today, they (France) reacted and that’s huge credit to them,” said Scaloni, 44, who also guided Argentina to Copa America victory last year, thus ending a 28-year wait for a major trophy.
“Above all, it is an incredible enjoyment to be at the top, as we are, it’s something unique.” Scaloni paid tribute to his parents saying: “They gave me a way of understanding, of never giving up, and of never going against anyone else, but to always go forwards. Today it paid off!” He concluded: “I was lucky to be here and I’m thankful to everyone.”
THE MAN WHO CALLED WORLD CUP — SEVEN YEARS AGO
Rewind to 2015. Twitter user Jose Miguel Polanco has a premonition about the 2022 World Cup.
He tweeted: “December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times. Check back with me in 7 years.”
It appears he’s in a different time zone so we’ll let the date slide and Messi is 35, but that is eerie.
He tweeted that he was in the stands in Doha for the magic moment too. Wow.
December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times. Check back with me in 7 years.
— José Miguel Polanco (@josepolanco10) March 20, 2015
WHAT WAS WITH MESSI’S ROBE?
Lionel Messi’s robe during the World Cup celebrations had plenty of fans talking.
Find out what was going on HERE.
GOALKEEPER’S BIZARRE ON-STAGE MOMENT
We’ll just leave this here...
Absolutely creased at Emiliano Martinez's commitment to chaos. Makes up for Messi donning the Death Eater robe. (📸 Matthias Hangst and Clive Brunskill/Getty) pic.twitter.com/H2Nkquf2sS
— Jon Brady (@jonbradyphoto) December 18, 2022
MESSI KICKSTARTS EMOTIONAL CELEBRATIONS
AFP
Lionel Messi saluted the Argentina fans in Doha’s Lusail stadium on Sunday after helping inspire his country to their first World Cup victory in 36 years.
“We’re champions of the world!” exclaimed Messi on the stadium microphone after his two goals and successful shootout spot-kick helped Argentina to the title.
Messi hugged his family members and team-mates after the stunning match that ended 3-3 after 120 absorbing minutes that included a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick and three successfully converted penalties.
Both Messi and Mbappe were also successful in the shootout before Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s crucial save from Kingsley Coman and Gonzalo Montiel’s clinching penalty.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, winger Angel Di Maria, who scored Argentina’s second goal, and Martinez could not contain their tears after the final whistle
PRESENTATION UNDERWAY
After a slight delay, the World Cup trophy has arrived and the presentation is underway.
YOUNG PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
GOLDEN GLOVE: Emi Martinez (Argentina)
GOLDEN BOOT: Kylian Mbappe (France)
GOLDEN BALL: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Mbappe 1-0 France
Messi 1-1
Coman SAVED 1-1
Dybala 2-1 Argentina
Tchouameni MISSES
Paredes 3-1 Argentina
Kolo Muani scores Argentina 3-2
Montiel scores, Argentina are World Cup champions!
FULLTIME IN EXTRA-TIME
It finishes 3-3 in Qatar and some are already calling it the greatest World Cup final ever. Kylian Mbappe becomes only the second man in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, while Lionel Messi netted twice.
PENALTY FRANCE!
Kylian Mbappe beats Emi Martinez again and surely we’re going to penalties. This is wild! Angel Di Maria is in tears on the Argentina bench.
FIVE MINUTES ON THE CLOCK
Can France rally again? The subs are coming thick and fast and Lionel Messi’s bundled goal separates Argentina and Les Bleus.
ARGENTINA LEADS AGAIN!
Desperate defending by France by Argentina can’t be denied. And of course it’s Messi who bundled home after Hugo Lloris’ initial save.
HALFTIME IN EXTRA-TIME
And it’s still 2-2. We’ll have a quick break and then have just over 15 minutes to decide this final. Otherwise, we’re off to the penalty spot.
WHAT A BLOCK!
Attackers get all the headlines and plaudits but Dayot Upamecano has just made two World Cup saving tackles in 2 minutes. ðŸ‘ðŸ†ðŸ‘🇫🇷🇦🇷
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) December 18, 2022
Dayot Upamecano saves France in the last minute of the first half of extra-time with a brilliant block to deny Lautaro Martinez who was put through one-on-one with Hugo Lloris.
DID ARGENTINA MAKE TACTICAL ERROR?
Angel Di Maria’s withdrawal on 64 minutes has coincided with France finding a way back into this final.
Di Maria was one of the most influential players on the pitch during his stint, scoring the second goal.
But some are wondering whether Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni blinked too soon by subbing off the Juventus forward.
argentina feverishly checking the rules to see if they can sub di maria back on
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) December 18, 2022
Mbappe x2. Crazy scenes. French subs on the pitch. 2-2. Test of #ARG character now. Did Di Maria go off too early?
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 18, 2022
EXTRA-TIME KICKS OFF
More than six minutes gone and it remains 2-2. France has made a substitution, removing Rabiot and bringing on Fofana. Commentator Martin Tyler says Argentina is looking “laboured”. It has been an incredible turnaround. France could hardly have been more outplayed for 80 minutes but since Mbappe’s penalty has looked the team most likely to prevail and clinch successive World Cup crowns.
AND WE’RE HEADING TO EXTRA-TIME
Argentina was in the driver’s seat for 90 minutes but a moment of brilliance from Kylian Mbappe after scoring from the penalty spot means we’ll have an extra 30 minutes.
And really who could be disappointed considering how this match has come to life in the last 15 minutes?
France actually looked the more likely side to find a winner despite Messi’s late strike testing Lloris.
Was the early alarm worth it? You bet ya. This match has been something.
MESSI SO CLOSE TO THE WINNER
Lionel Messi strikes from about 25 metres and has Hugo Lloris sprawling with only a minute of added-time left.
Lloris saw it all the way but the strike had plenty behind it.
EXTRA-TIME: 8 MINUTES ADDED
And there’s a fair bit happening. Emi Martinez saves as Argentina survives a nervous moment and Olivier Giroud has somehow got himself booked despite being subbed out more than 50 minutes ago.
MBAPPE STUNNER!
From absolutely nowhere France is level at 2-2. We'll try to sum that up as best we can but like you probably are we’re still a bit stunned. Mbappe’s drive from the edge of the area just had too much venom for Martinez and suddenly the World Cup final looks set for extra-time. What a crazy comeback. “Splendid finish from a splendid player,” says Martin Tyler in commentary. Hard to disagree with that assessment.
Oh my word. What a final. What a World Cup.
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) December 18, 2022
Messi and Mbappe both having their say in a big way. Incredible.
PENALTY FRANCE!
Otamendi hauls down Kolo Muani and Mbappe converts from the sport with France’s first shot on target. Plot twist?
ARGENTINA LESS THAN 15 MINUTES AWAY
Expect some added time as there has been all tournament in Qatar, but barring a miracle revival from France, Argentina is about 15 minutes from its first World Cup win since 1986.
There are almost 80 minutes gone in Qatar and goals from Messi and Di Maria continue to be the difference.
FRANCE DOUBLE SUB
Griezmann and Hernandez are off, Camavinga and Coman on.
And — this is not a drill — Kylian Mbappe has had a shot.
It went several metres over, but it’s something.
We’ve played 72 minutes and France hasn’t had a shot on target.
INCREDIBLE SCENES IN ARGENTINA
Check this out! (Sound on)
And in the meantime, goalscorer Angel Di Maria has been removed for Marcos Acuna.
Di Maria received a standing ovation while leaving the pitch and it was richly deserved.
Apart from Messi he’s been the most influential player on the pitch.
Buenos Aires after Lionel Messi put #ARG 1-0 up. 🔊#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/mIdDm4zgnt
— The Sun Football âš½ (@TheSunFootball) December 18, 2022
MESSI’S NOD TO FAMILY ON WORLD CUP BOOTS
Kiro Evans, The Sun
Lionel Messi’s World Cup boots have been revealed and they include a touching nod to his wife and children.
The 35-year-old takes part in the biggest game of his career as he looks to lead his country to World Cup glory for the first time since 1986.
The Jules Rimet trophy is one of the few pieces of silverware missing from his long and decorated career.
Ahead of the huge clash against France, fans got a glimpse at his footwear for the showpiece event in Qatar.
The golden boots were pictured sat next to his white and black sliders.
There was a lovely nod to his wife and three children with their names visible on his boots.
His youngest child, Ciro Messi, has his name and date of birth stitched alongside the side of his left boot.
Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, also has part of her name “Anto” below Ciro’s.
On the outside of his right boot bares the name of his other children and their dates of birthday: “Thiago 02 11 12” and “Mateo 11 09 15”.
The Argentine star is wearing a pair of specially customised Adidas X Speedportal Leyenda boots.
YELLOW CARD FRANCE
Rabiot goes into the book for a crunching tackle on De Paul as France’s desperation grows.
MARTINEZ SURVIVES FIRST REAL TEST
Griezmann’s corner is whipped in at a dangerous height but the Aston Villa and Argentina custodian shows composure to fly above bodies and claim easily.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY
It is going to take something historic from France to get back into this match. Is Argentina heading for glory? Here are a few stats which sum up Argentina’s superiority — 60 per cent possession, six shots to zero, 305 passes to 204, 87 per cent pass accuracy to 76 per cent.
HALFTIME: ARGENTINA 2-0 FRANCE
That was an absolute clinic from Argentina.
Lionel Messi’s penalty and Angel Di Maria’s crisp finish has Argentina dreaming of its first World Cup triumph since 1986.
France badly needs a spark and I am going to find mine with a halftime coffee.
If you’re in Australia and following, I reccomend you do the same.
Can France recover from a horror first half and stage a a comeback? We’ll find out in the second 45 minutes coming up soon.
Di Maria killed France in the 1st half. Total domination from Argentina. Messi pulling the strings in the key moments
— David Zdrilic (@Zdrila) December 18, 2022
Excellent team performance so far. #ArgentinaVsFrance#FIFAWorldCup
YELLOW CARD
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez is booked for a challenge on Randal Kolo Muani.
DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION FOR FRANCE ON 40 MINS
Giroud, Dembele off, Thuram and Kolo Muani on. It’s no wonder Didier Deschamps has gone to his bench. After 40 minutes, Argentina has six shots to France’s zero and the reigning World Cup champion hasn’t looked like testing Emi Martinez in Argentina’s goal.
The change means Kylian Mbappe will play more centrally in the second half and Les Bleus desperately need him to find his best.
Admire that from Deschamps. Not easy making big decisions early in the game. It’s not even so much admitting you’re wrong as just doing what’s clearly needed.
— David Preece (@davidpreece12) December 18, 2022
DI MARIA GOAL!
Angel Di Maria buries a slick counter-attack by Argentina and doubles his side’s advantage. This is as clinical as it gets from Argentina and France is all at sea.
THE AUSTRALIAN VIEW
Australia’s losses in Qatar were to eventual finalists Argentina and France. So, we can dare to dream right?
Amazing to think that if not for Garang Kuol generously allowing Messi his swansong, it would be Australia in this World Cup final, which they would go on to win… #ARGFRA
— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) December 18, 2022
GOAL MESSI!
Lionel Messi buries the penalty past Hugo Lloris and the stadium erupts. 1-0 Argentina.
PENALTY!
Di Maria is brought down in the box and Argentina has a spot kick.
Dembele got a tough on Di Maria and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot.
Can’t believe that penalty was given in a World Cup final!?! Extraordinary!!!
— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) December 18, 2022
DI MARIA FIRES HIGH
Angel Di Maria has been very lively in the opening exchanges but sends one of Argentina’s best chances so far metres over Huge Lloris’ bar. Argentina has had three shots and France is yet to test Emiliano Martinez after 18 minutes.
LLORIS HURT
French captain Hugo Lloris is down after a tangle in the penalty area.
Argentina has done all the attacking in the opening 10 minutes.
After being tended to my medical staff for a few minutes, Lloris will play on.
The collision was with his Tottenham teammate Cristian Romero.
QATAR’S MAIN TRAIN STATION SHUT IN WC CRUSH
AFP
Police shut doors into Doha’s main metro station for an hour amid a surge of thousands of people just ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.
Witnesses said station security could not cope with the sudden crowds at the Msheireb station, a busy interchange where three metro lines meet.
Station staff tried to restrict people entering with crowd barriers but groups broke through causing the surge inside, witnesses said. The doors were then ordered closed.
“There were just suddenly hundreds of people trying to get down the steps to the platforms. It was scary but I did not see anyone hurt,” said Fatima Ismael, who came out with her two children as hundreds grouped around entrance doors.
Many of the crowds were fans trying to get trains to fan zones with giant screens set up for the match between Argentina and France. Thousands of people wore Argentina shirts for the day.
The station re-opened an hour later and although it was crowded, passengers were moving towards their trains, an AFP reporter said.
Traffic jams built up around Doha and big crowds were also reported around the 88,000 capacity Lusail stadium where the final was to start at 6.00pm (1500 GMT).
MESSI’S RECORD
By taking the pitch in the World Cup Final, Lionel Messi has officially made the most appearances at a World Cup.
He has played a remarkable 26 times at the World Cup.
AND WE’RE UNDERWAY!
It’s Messi v Mbappe, Argentina v France and arguably the most important prize in world sport up for grabs. Who will win? We’ll have it all covered over the next 90 minutes (or beyond!)
TEAM NEWS
The line-ups are in!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
Today's #FIFAWorldCup Final Starting XIs for Argentina and France ⤵ï¸
Originally published as World Cup Final: Argentina defeats France in dramatic penalty shootout as Qatar World Cup ends
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