World Cup Final 2022: Full Match Highlights
What a game, guys! The 2022 World Cup Final was an absolute nail-biter, a match that will be etched in football history forever. Argentina and France went head-to-head in a spectacular display of skill, passion, and sheer drama. If you missed out on the action, or just want to relive those incredible moments, you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the full match highlights of the 2022 World Cup Final, breaking down every goal, every save, and every moment that had us all on the edge of our seats. This wasn't just a football match; it was a story unfolding in real-time, a battle for glory that showcased the very best of the beautiful game.
The Road to the Final
Before we get to the main event, let's briefly touch upon how these two titans reached the Lusail Iconic Stadium. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, navigated a challenging path, showing incredible resilience after an opening day shock against Saudi Arabia. They grew stronger with each game, with Messi in sublime form, orchestrating their attack and seemingly determined to win the one trophy that has eluded him. Their journey was a testament to their grit and determination, fueled by the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase. On the other side, France, the defending champions, were a formidable force. Despite some pre-tournament injuries and a mid-tournament stumble against Tunisia, they demonstrated their championship pedigree. Kylian Mbappé, their electrifying young superstar, was in blistering form, carrying the weight of expectation with remarkable maturity. Their ability to adapt and overcome challenges made them a truly scary opponent, and many saw them as favorites to retain their title.
The anticipation for this final was immense. Two of the greatest players of their generation, Messi and Mbappé, were set to face off. It was a narrative that captivated the world, a clash of eras, and a potential coronation for one and a heartbreaking end for the other. The air was thick with expectation as the teams lined up, the anthems played, and the referee's whistle signaled the start of a match that promised so much. Every fan knew this was going to be special, a game for the ages, and boy, did it deliver.
First Half Dominance: Argentina Takes Control
The World Cup Final 2022 full match highlights really kicked off with a bang, and it was Argentina who drew first blood. In the 23rd minute, Ăngel Di MarĂa, a player who always seems to step up on the big occasion, was brought down in the penalty area by Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Lionel Messi stepped up, cool as you like, and slotted the penalty past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentine fans into a frenzy. It was a clinical finish, showcasing the composure that has defined his illustrious career. This goal set the tone for Argentina, giving them the lead and settling their nerves.
But Argentina wasn't done there. They were playing with an intensity and fluidity that France struggled to contain. The midfield was dominated by the likes of Enzo FernĂĄndez and Alexis Mac Allister, who were linking up brilliantly. And then, in the 36th minute, came another moment of magic. A swift, incisive counter-attack saw Messi involved in the build-up, before a sublime through ball from Mac Allister found JuliĂĄn Ălvarez. He laid it off to a marauding Nahuel Molina, who, in turn, played a perfectly weighted pass back to the arriving Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister then calmly squared the ball to an unmarked Ăngel Di MarĂa inside the box. Di MarĂa, with a deft touch, lifted the ball over the onrushing Lloris to double Argentina's lead. It was a team goal of the highest order, a beautiful exhibition of passing and movement that left the French defense completely exposed. The highlights reel from this period shows Argentina playing with a swagger, dominating possession, and looking utterly in control. France, on the other hand, looked disjointed and unable to find their rhythm. Didier Deschamps, the French manager, looked concerned on the sidelines, and he made an early substitution, bringing on Marcus Thuram for Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani for Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, trying to inject some life into his team. However, at halftime, the score stood at 2-0 to Argentina, and many felt the game was all but over.
The Mbappé Comeback: France Roars Back!
Just when you thought the World Cup final 2022 full match highlights were heading towards a comfortable Argentine victory, a certain Kylian MbappĂ© decided to rewrite the script. The second half started with France trying to find a way back into the game, but Argentina's defense, marshaled by the experienced NicolĂĄs Otamendi, seemed resolute. However, football, as we know, is a game of fine margins and moments of individual brilliance. In the 80th minute, the game flipped on its head. Marcus Thuram was brought down in the Argentine box by a clumsy challenge from Leandro Paredes. The referee awarded France a penalty. Up stepped Kylian MbappĂ©, and he dispatched the spot-kick with immense power and precision, beating Emiliano MartĂnez. Just 97 seconds later, a moment of sheer genius from MbappĂ©! He played a quick one-two with Thuram, who flicked the ball back into his path. MbappĂ© then unleashed an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box that flew into the net. It was a stunning equalizer, a goal that showcased his incredible talent and composure under pressure. In the space of two minutes, France had gone from a losing position to drawing level, and the momentum had completely shifted. The stadium erupted, and the intensity of the match reached fever pitch. The highlights from this period are a whirlwind of emotion, with MbappĂ©'s brilliance leaving everyone speechless. Argentina looked stunned, their earlier dominance evaporating in the face of MbappĂ©'s relentless attack. The final minutes of regular time were tense, with both teams having chances, but neither could find a winner, sending the game into extra time. It was a comeback for the ages, a testament to the never-say-die attitude of the French team and the individual brilliance of their star striker.
Extra Time Drama and a Penalty Shootout!
As the World Cup final 2022 full match highlights moved into extra time, the tension was palpable. Both teams were visibly tired, but the stakes were too high to allow fatigue to take over. Argentina found another gear, and in the 108th minute, they thought they had won it. A shot from Lautaro MartĂnez was parried by Lloris, but the rebound fell to Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain was there to tap the ball home from close range, sparking wild celebrations. It seemed like the script was complete, Messi finally getting his hands on the World Cup. However, in dramatic fashion, France was awarded another penalty in the 118th minute after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel. MbappĂ© stepped up again, completed his hat-trick, and leveled the scores once more. This made it 3-3, the highest-scoring World Cup final in history. The sheer drama was unbelievable. The match then went to penalties, the ultimate test of nerve and skill.
Emiliano MartĂnez, Argentina's goalkeeper, proved to be the hero in the shootout. He made a crucial save from Coman and also put pressure on TchouamĂ©ni, who missed the target. Argentina, on the other hand, were clinical, with Messi, Dybala, Paredes, and finally, Gonzalo Montiel, all converting their penalties. Montiel's winning penalty sent the Argentine bench and fans into a state of delirium. It was an incredibly emotional end to an epic contest. The full match highlights of the penalty shootout show the immense pressure on each player and MartĂnez's commanding presence between the sticks. The scenes of jubilation for Argentina and heartbreak for France were intense, marking the culmination of a tournament that had delivered drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
Messi's Triumph and Mbappé's Brilliance
The World Cup final 2022 full match highlights ultimately saw Lionel Messi lift the trophy, a moment that fulfilled a lifelong dream and cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest player of all time. He had delivered on the grandest stage, leading his nation to glory after a career filled with unparalleled achievements. His performances throughout the tournament, and especially in this final, were nothing short of inspirational. He scored crucial goals, provided assists, and led by example, showcasing the leadership and skill that have made him a global icon. The images of Messi hoisting the World Cup trophy, tears of joy streaming down his face, are now iconic.
On the other side, Kylian Mbappé emerged from the final with his head held high. Despite the loss, his performance was extraordinary. Scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final, especially at such a young age, is a historic achievement. He proved that he is indeed the heir apparent to the throne, a player who can carry a team on his shoulders and deliver under the most intense pressure. His speed, skill, and finishing ability are simply breathtaking. While he didn't win the trophy, his performance in this final undoubtedly announced his arrival as a global superstar on an even bigger stage. The World Cup final 2022 full match highlights will forever feature his incredible individual effort to bring France back into the game. This final was a showcase of the present and the future of football, with Messi representing the pinnacle of one era and Mbappé the dawn of another. It was a fitting end to a tournament that celebrated the beautiful game in all its glory, leaving fans worldwide buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what's to come.
Conclusion: A Final for the Ages
In conclusion, the World Cup final 2022 full match highlights delivered everything we could have hoped for and more. It was a match of incredible swings in momentum, breathtaking individual brilliance, and sheer emotional rollercoaster. Argentina's triumph, led by the majestic Lionel Messi, was a storybook ending to a legendary career. France's valiant fightback, spearheaded by the electrifying Kylian MbappĂ©, showcased their championship spirit and resilience. From Messi's early penalty and Di MarĂa's stunning second goal, to MbappĂ©'s rapid-fire brace and the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, every moment was pure drama. This final wasn't just a sporting event; it was a global spectacle that united millions in shared excitement and passion. If you want to relive this epic encounter, seeking out the full match highlights is a must. Itâs a game that will be talked about for generations, a true testament to the magic of the World Cup and the enduring appeal of football. Guys, if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it. You won't regret it!
