(Photo : Julian Finney/Getty Images)
It's time to look back on the final conclusion from Lusail Stadium as we begin to recover from one of the greatest World Cup finals in history.
Kylian Mbappe made one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the World Cup in Qatar, but it wasn't enough to lead France over Argentina.
Lionel Messi tasted World Cup triumph for the first time as Argentina defeated France in the final through a penalty shootout. Emmanuel Macron consoled Mbappe in the aftermath of the loss by embracing him.
World Cup Winners
Mbappe was unable to conceal his displeasure after the match. While Messi and his teammates were jubilantly celebrating their World Cup triumph, the French players, and Mbappe in particular, felt the complete opposite.
Mbappe was phenomenal throughout the whole World Cup, collecting the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals. Even when accepting the coveted prize, Mbappe's sole objective was to win. As he was led onto the platform to receive the Golden Boot award, he didn't even crack a grin, as per Clutch Points.
Argentina's 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over France - after a crazy 3-3 draw - had it all. Controversial penalty calls, thrilling comebacks, and the conclusion of the G.O.A.T. discussion were just a few highlights. Here are four of the best victory in World Cup 2022, according to Sports Net:
Brighton & Hove Albion and Eintracht Frankfurt
The World Cup typically results in high-profile player moves after Sunday's final; Alexis Mac Allister and Randal Kolo Muani may have elevated their profiles.
Mac Allister was phenomenal, as he had been for the entirety of the competition. His run and assist for the second goal in the World Cup final was one of the finest goals ever achieved, exemplifying his best qualities.
Superior vision on the ball and an understanding of where to position himself to receive passes. Forty-four successful passes support this on 52 tries and multiple advanced runs into France's midfield.
It is difficult to assume that Mac Allister would not have started frequently if Giovani Lo Celso had not been injured before the World Cup. However, the arrival of Kolo Muani proved crucial to France's recovery. His close control, speed, and ball movement caused Argentina to face a penalty, two shots, and overall disorder.
Kylian Mbappe
If Kylian Mbappe has anything to say about the topic, the G.O.A.T. argument may only be settled for a few years. Lionel Messi has been at the pinnacle of his game for over 15 years and has accumulated several club accolades that Mbappe is yet to attain.
Before his 24th birthday, Messi had won many Champions League championships, Ballon d'Ors, and other prestigious honors. Mbappe has a ways to go before his CV matches that one. On the international scene, the Frenchman has already exceeded expectations. Mbappe scored three goals in a losing effort to earn the Golden Boot as the tournament's leading scorer.
He could have had two more goals and an assist if not for the heroic saves of Emiliano Martnez and Argentina's last-ditch defense. Mbappe scored 12 goals in 14 games across two World Cups, tying him with Pele for the most goals in World Cup history. He trails Messi by one and is four goals behind Miroslav Klose for the record.
Lionel Messi
The Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo argument will dominate social media for days, as will the conversation over the best player of all time. It is impossible to compare various eras. Thus we may never arrive at a definitive conclusion.
There is no question that Messi's World Cup victory has finally finished football. A goal in the championship game adds to the legend. Messi concluded the World Cup with seven goals and three assists, including five in the knockout round. What an example of saving the best for last!
But in this particular match, Messi was magnificent. He completed 47 of 54 passes, including three critical passes, and had five shots with 1.83 expected goals (xG) (1.07 without the penalty). The 35-year-old also converted his penalty kick in the shootout with the accuracy and composure that have become his signature.
Hugs all around for Lionel Messi, who finally lands that elusive World Cup trophy đ pic.twitter.com/yyY68BkZoY
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2022
Angel Di María
Lionel Scaloni's choice to start Angel Di Mara could not have paid off more for Argentina. Di Mara's withdrawal after 64 minutes may have been the game's turning point. The deployment of Di Mara was ideal for Argentina's plan to exploit France. Using the 34-year-old as an inverted left winger, staying wide left, and cutting inside upon collecting the ball led directly to the opening penalty.
Most of Di Mara's touches within the penalty area were in the left half-space. However, he frequently received the ball closer to the touchline while positioned further from the goal.
World Cup Losers
While the awarding ceremony outs excitement to all avid viewers of the World Cup, here's a remarkable moment for those who lose in their games:
Ousmane Dembele
This tournament has been strange for Ousmane Dembele. In some games, he has appeared unstoppable, but in others, he has been anonymous or catastrophic. On the right side, he provided minimal help for Jules Kounde and was unsuccessful in the final third. It tells it that Kolo Muani won more duels (12) and had a greater offensive effect.
Lionel Scaloni
Argentina is the world champion, which is all that matters, but it is difficult to overlook Lionel Scaloni's second-half adjustments.
The choice to substitute Di Mara was logical, given that he seldom plays for 90 minutes. However, replacing him with Acua and switching to a 4-4-2 formation eventually allowed France's powerful frontline to contain Argentina. Scaloni has taken several risky moves throughout this World Cup, most of which have worked off, but these nearly cost him his job.
Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martnez had similarities to Gonzalo Higuan's performance in the 2014 World Cup final. Martnez's World Cup is exemplified by two squandered opportunities, followed by a Hugo Lloris save that finally led to a frantic scramble for Argentina's third goal. He was slightly unfortunate but too hesitant on crucial occasions. Thankfully, it did not cost his team as much as Higuan did in 2014.
The World Cup is the ultimate showroom, a mall of stars whose impressive performances increase their market value by one zero, according to Bleacher Report. There will always be a James Rodrguez: a player who emerges from nowhere to the adoration of European teams, who then pay a great deal of money to obtain their services.
While that was true of Qatar - you can guarantee that Angers will earn a club-record sum for Ounahi - the tournament was dominated by highly coveted players generating even more money for their clubs.
Related Article: Lionel Messi: Argentina Star Confirms World Cup Final v. France Will Be His Last Game
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