LIVE: Argentina vs France – World Cup 2022 final
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- Argentina XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez.
- France XI: Lloris, Kounde, Upamecano, Varane, T. Hernández, Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Mbappé, Griezmann, Dembéle, Giroud.
- The World Cup final kicks off at 6pm (15:00 GMT) at Lusail Stadium.
- It coincides with Qatar’s national day.
- Argentina and France are both looking for their third title.
- France could become the third team to win back-to-back World Cups.
Messi makes yet more history
Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, and talisman is about to break the record for the most ever World Cup appearances by a male player.
Today’s finals mark the 26th time the diminutive superstar has taken to the field during world football’s biggest tournament, taking him one appearance past legendary German midfielder Lothar Matthaus.
Argentina fans hope for a repeat of 1986 glory
After failing to win in 2014, La Albiceleste is once again in a World Cup final.
Hafsa Adil explores how the 1986 triumph continues to influence Argentinian fans to this day.
Kickoff
The teams have stood for their national anthems and are ready to go after what has seemed like a long buildup to proceedings.
Argentina will don its traditional blue and white colors, while France will go with its trademark navy blue.
La Albiceleste has opted to go with their customary 4-4-2 formation, while Les Bleus are sticking with their tried-and-tested 4-1-2-3 scheme.
It will be France to kick things off here at Lusail Stadium.
1 minute: Argentina 0-0 France
Teams looking to be positive from the outset
So far it is apparent that both sides are looking to dig their teeth into this contest.
The passing hasn’t quite been top-shelf yet, but it is just a matter of time before the teams hit their stride.
4 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
Alvarez has a pop from a distance
France has held their defensive shape so far as Argentina continues to look for gaps in the back line.
Alvarez receives the ball left of the center outside the box and decides to have a crack, but Lloris is able to get well behind it.
6 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
The red-hot atmosphere on a chilly evening at Lusail Stadium
It’s impossible to hear yourself in the stadium. The noise is deafening, with the Argentina supporters cheering every move made by their players.
But while the atmosphere is red-hot, the weather is a little bit chilly. Many fans are donning jumpers as they settle in for the final of the first-ever winter World Cup.
Argentina seizes the initiative with a positive first 10′
Argentina started strongly and looked threatening in the opening 10 minutes.
France has made a habit throughout the tournament of weathering tough spells, so will be far from panicked, although they’ll certainly be keen to reverse the early momentum and establish a foothold in the game soon.
Argentina win the first corner of the match
The momentum has shifted in Argentina’s favor in these early exchanges.
They have numbers circling around the box and are patiently looking for opportunities to strike.
After winning a corner on the right side, Messi sends it in, but the delivery is a bit undercooked as the ball ends up bobbling around in the box, with Lloris finally able to get hold of the ball in the air.
11 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
Lloris is down but not out
The French goalkeeper looks to have been winded during the prior melee in the box as he seeks treatment from the medical staff.
Looks like he will push on though after a momentary delay.
12 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
France starting to flex their muscle
After the ball seemed to be pinned in the Argentinian end, France responded in kind.
They have begun to push up numbers, but need to be wary of Argentina’s lethal counter-attack ability.
15 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
Di Maria with a glorious opportunity
After a defensive mishap, Argentina wins the ball and look to have an opportunity to strike as they hone in on the box.
A pass from the left side finds a rampaging Di Maria, as he looks to hit it on the run at goal inside the box.
However, he puts too much on it as the ball ends up skying well over the bar.
19 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
Argentina targeting France’s right flank
It appears Jules Kunde, France’s right-back, may be in for a long night.
Argentina is targeting attacks down his flank, with Angel Di Maria, La Albiceleste’s left winger, seeing plenty of the ball in the first 20 minutes.
France win a free kick from a threatening area
The attempt is from just outside the left side of the box along the goal line.
Griezmann takes it and finds Giroud, who leaps forward to try and head the ball past Martinez, but ends up getting it over.
It was quite the spectacle for the Frenchman as he went into the full flight there.
21 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
Argentina won the penalty!
Dembele brings down Di Maria in the box as he comes in from the left side, and Argentina wins a penalty!
It will be Messi who will take it. As if it was ever in doubt?
22 mins: Argentina 0-0 France
GOAL!
Messi strikes it low to the right to send Argentinian fans into the stratosphere!
That strike also pushes him past Mbappe to be the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals.
23 mins: Argentina 1-0 France
Lusail Stadium erupts as Messi puts Argentina ahead
The stadium has erupted. The Argentina supporters are jubilant – jumping up and down and waving flags high above their heads.
Meanwhile, the French fans have been stunned into silence.
France win a free kick
With Messi putting Argentina ahead, it is all hands on deck for France as they hunt for an equalizer.
They win a free kick about 25m out just right of center, with Griezmann, tasked with taking it.
After the first attempt is waved off by the referee, the second attempt is sent in, but ultimately nothing comes of it.
There is a collision between Hernandez and Messi during the scrap for the ball, and both players are on the ground.
Looks like they will be okay to continue though.
28 mins: Argentina 1-0 France
Argentina win right side corner
Messi curls it at the near post, but the ball is headed away by Giroud who does well to protect the angle.
30 mins: Argentina 1-0 France
Messi breaks more World Cup records
Messi’s conversion from the penalty spot came at the exact moment he also broke the record for the most minutes of World Cup football played by a single male footballer.
Messi has now competed in more than 2,200 minutes of World Cup football, surpassing former Italian defender Paolo Maldini’s 2,216 minutes.
The 35-year-old has also become the first player to score in every knockout round of a men’s World Cup. He had never scored a knockout goal at a World Cup before this year’s tournament.
GOAL!
Di Maria beats Lloris from the left side to give Argentina a 2-0 lead!
36 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
The spectacular goal gives Argentina control
This is arguably one of the goals of the tournament.
After winning the ball just before the halfway line, Messi helps engineer a counter by releasing Mac Allister with a lovely through pass.
The Argentinian steams towards the penalty box, and times a beautifully weighted pass to Di Maria on his left side.
The winger is able to collect and slot the ball past Lloris with ease toward the far post.
The current world champions are on the canvas, but can they respond?
36 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Argentina fans are jubilant as France continues to struggle
Angel Di Maria’s goal has the Argentina fans on their feet again, cheering at the top of their lungs.
Judging by their body language, they appear confident their side has this game in the bag.
France, the reigning world champions, have been far short of their best so far. They need a response, and soon, or they could be staring down the barrel of a rout.
France make reactionary changes
Didier Deschamps is in damage-control mode as Giroud and Dembele are brought off in favor of Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.
This move switches Mbappe into a more central striking role.
With Thuram coming on, this would be the first time there has been both a father and son represented in a World Cup final.
His father, Lilian Thuram, played in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil.
43 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
French supporters stunned by rampant Argentina
The French fans appear stunned. They are hardly making any noise and have stopped waving their Tricolour flags.
Di Maria and Messi are tormenting their team. Les Bleus need their fans but that second goal has taken the wind out of their sails.
Coach Didier Deschamps is on the touchline barking orders. His team is totally on the back foot. La Albiceleste is rampant and it could go from bad to worse for the reigning world champions unless they regroup quickly.
Seven minutes of added time
The fourth official has signaled for seven more minutes of stoppage time.
45+1 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Early exit caps a miserable night for France’s Dembele
It was not a surprise to see Dembele dragged off by France coach Didier Deschamps.
The Barcelona winger was having a dreadful night, giving away the penalty that Messi tucked away to put Argentina ahead and consistently struggling to cope with the threat posed by Di Maria down his flank.
France need answers
France has looked uncharacteristically passive in this first half and will need to play with more urgency when the teams return after the interval.
Argentina has been far more comfortable on the ball and in their interplay.
45+4 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Fernandez receives a yellow card
After being winded in a tackle with Kolo Muani, the Argentinian gets up and is immediately brandished with a yellow card for his offense.
45+8 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
French free kick falls flat
After winning an attempt about 35m out right of center, Griezmann takes it but is unable to find a suitable receiver as the referee blows the whistle for half soon after.
45+8 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Half-time: Argentina 2-0 France
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Argentina has provided arguably their best first-half performance of the tournament on the biggest occasion of them all.
Argentina is dominant as toothless France flounder
Argentina absolutely dominated the reigning world champions during the opening 45 minutes.
La Albiceleste’s two goals were fair rewards for their control of the ball and constant threats going forwards.
France didn’t manage a single shot at goal, with star forward Kylian Mbappe largely anonymous throughout. They will need to do much more in the second period if they are to get themselves back into the game.
Di Maria goal sets new World Cup record
Di Maria’s goal was the 48th of the knockout stages – a new record-high figure at World Cups.
The previous highest goal tally during the knockout stages was the 47 scored in Russia, in 2018.
‘One more goal and it’s over: Argentina fan
Argentina fan Luis Pinot, from Los Angeles, says his side is in the driving seat after a dominant first-half display.
“One more goal and it will be over,” the 37-year-old, who is originally from Buenos Aires, told talkupditingsdem.
“They look hungry … they really want this win, you can see that with the way they are playing,” he added. “But I will be nervous until the final whistle blows.”
Second half under way
The players have regrouped and are ready to go for this crucial second half.
It will be Argentina’s turn to kick things off as France look to close the two-goal gap.
46 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
De Paul has an opening chance of second half
Argentina has dominated so far, and it looks like they have continued where they left off in the first half.
As they converge on the French box, De Paul is found on the right side.
A cross is sent in his direction, and he elects to go for a volley but doesn’t have enough behind it to trouble Lloris.
50 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
France win right side corner
Griezmann sends it in, but Martinez leaps out to intercept the incoming threat.
52 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Argentina win right side corner
Messi whips it in but Griezmann gets in front of the near post to steer it away.
54 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Rabiot showed the yellow card
For a very late tackle from behind on De Paul, Rabiot goes straight into the referee’s book.
55 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Argentina continues to exert dominance as time ticks away for France
It has been a similar story so far in the second period.
Argentina continues to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and looks to be the more dangerous side.
France is running out of time to turn this final round with 30 minutes of normal time left to play.
Alvarez tries his luck
Alvarez picks up the ball on the left side and, as he tries to beat his marker, decides to have a shot at the near post.
Lloris has the angle covered though.
60 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Di Maria sets up Messi’s chance
Di Maria has been hugely influential so far.
From the left side of the box, as he looks to evade his marker, he spots Messi on the far right and picks him out.
Messi, despite being surrounded by French bodies, tries to aim at the far post but just goes wide.
62 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Lloris’ slide saves France
Argentina continues their ruthless play as Messi picks out Alvarez with a through ball on the left side.
The striker then sees Mac Allister on his right who has a clear path to the goal.
Lloris spots this and rushes out. He is able to get to the ball in the nick of time with a slide to just beat Mac Allister to it.
65 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Argentina make a substitution
Di Maria’s eventful night comes to a close as he is subbed off for Marcos Acuna.
Clearly a tactical change from Scaloni as they look to have an extra defender in place as the match enters the final 25 minutes of normal time.
65 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
France earns a left-side corner
France has yet to have a touch in the Argentinian box. They will desperately need to change that.
Griezmann swings in the cross, but Kolo Muani’s header ends up going wayward under pressure.
68 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Mbappe chance goes skywards
The first real signal of intent from the French striker.
From inside of the box on the left side he decides to have a shy at goal, but the ball ends up going well over.
72 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
Fernandez attempt stopped
Argentina continues its hunt for a third goal.
Messi picks out Fernandez outside of the box just left of center.
The Argentinian decides to fire a curling shot on net, but Lloris is able to get behind it rather comfortably.
73 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
France enlist help off the bench
Deschamps brings off Griezmann and Hernandez as he looks to utilize his deep bench.
The substitutes, Kingsley Coman and Eduardo Camavinga rush out to try and help their fellow teammates find a goal.
75 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
De Paul’s chance smothered
Messi continues to work his magic as he finds De Paul on his right side.
The midfielder hones in on the near post and has a crack at the net, but Lloris is able to get on top of it.
78 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
France win a penalty!
Otamendi brings down Kolo Muani inside of the box, and France is awarded a penalty!
79 mins: Argentina 2-0 France
GOAL!
Martinez guesses right as Mbappe goes left, but the striker is just too good as France makes it 2-1.
80 mins: Argentina 2-1 France
GOAL!
Mbappe has just lifted the roof of this stadium! France makes it 2-2!
82 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
France fans brought to life by Mbappe brilliance
Unbelievable. It is now the Mbappe show. No one saw this coming.
They might be outnumbered but the French supporters are now making themselves heard, loud and clear. They are the ones making all the noise in the stadium. Mbappe has come to their rescue.
The world champions answer back!
Out of nowhere, Mbappe struck two times in as many minutes to change the whole complexion of the match!
After winning the ball, Thuram finds Mbappe inside of the box on the left side with a quick chip.
Mbappe, in one fell swoop, goes for a low volley which beats Martinez all ends up.
We are just seven minutes from extra time, but is there one last twist in the tale?
84 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Mbappe almost finds Kolo Muani
It is absolute pandemonium at Lusail with those two quick-fire responses from France.
The ball just can’t avoid Mbappe now as he looks to cross one over to Kolo Muani inside of the box, who is stationed in front of the goal.
The forward gets to the ball but is unable to head it toward the net.
86 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Almost a French penalty as a yellow card shown to Thuram
Thuram is given a yellow card for simulation, but almost everyone on the ground thought it was another French penalty as the forward went down.
Brilliant spot by the referee upon second viewing.
88 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Argentina fans unrelenting despite stunning turnaround
Despite France’s spectacular comeback, the Argentina fans are not easing up.
Their nerves might be on edge but they continue to back their side, even if it means losing their voices in the process.
Eight minutes of stoppage time
With all that just happened, unsurprisingly the fourth official signaled for eight minutes of additional time.
90+1 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
France win a dangerous free kick
The attempt is from 30 meters out on the far left.
Mbappe, who has suddenly become the man of the moment, sends in a cross.
De Paul is able to intercept and clear the ball before any further danger is created.
The Argentinian players look shell-shocked and will need to regain their composure as there is plenty of time still left.
90+4 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Rabiot near post chance thwarted
France is fully in control as Coman makes a run on the left side.
He does well to evade his marker till the very last moment before being brought down just outside the box.
There are calls for a free kick but the referee gives an advantage and the ball soon finds Rabiot.
The midfielder decides to have a go at the near post, but Martinez is able to get on top of it.
90+6 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Argentina is on the ropes
Mbappe has come alive. The Argentina defenders are struggling to cope with his pace and skill.
The South Americans are on the ropes. Extra time can’t come soon enough for them.
Lloris makes a huge stop on Messi
Both sides are at full-tilt and looking to finish this in regulation time.
Messi tries his luck from distance but the shot is too straight as Lloris is able to stop the ball for an Argentinian corner on the left side.
90+7 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Yellow card is shown to Acuna
For a rather egregious challenge on Coman, the Argentinian goes into the book.
90+9 mins: Argentina 2-2 France
Mbappe makes the history of his own
From one number 10 to another, after Messi broke a number of World Cup records in the first half, Mbappe made the history of his own with his two strikes in the second period.
Youngest players to 10 #FIFAWorldCup
goals:
G.Müller: 24-226
Kocsis: 24-282
T.Müller: 24-298
Fontaine: 24-314
Ronaldo: 25-277
Klose: 28-21
Rahn: 28-316
Cubillas: 29-95
Lineker: 29-216
Pelé: 29-230
Lato: 32-75
Batistuta: 33-121
Klinsmann: 33-330
Messi: 35-168
goals:Mbappé: 23y 363d
G.Müller: 24-226
Kocsis: 24-282
T.Müller: 24-298
Fontaine: 24-314
Ronaldo: 25-277
Klose: 28-21
Rahn: 28-316
Cubillas: 29-95
Lineker: 29-216
Pelé: 29-230
Lato: 32-75
Batistuta: 33-121
Klinsmann: 33-330
Messi: 35-168
The first half of extra time under way
Contrasting emotions for the fans in the stands.
Argentinian fans look rather baffled with what just transpired in the last half hour, while French fans are enjoying a second wind.
How will this match conclude though? We should be in for a tantalizing 30 minutes of play.
It is France who will start off the extra time period.
91 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
Argentina make a change
During the prior break, Gonzalo Montiel was brought on in place of Molina.
92 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
End-to-end stuff at Lusail
The ball has gone from one side to another in this opening half of extra time.
No real telling chances, but there is a definite “fire at all cylinders” type of energy at the moment.
99 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
France win a free kick
Fofana is brought down by Montiel with a strong challenge.
The attempt is on the far left side near the touchline, with Coman taking it.
The ball is sent in, and is subsequently sent out by the Argentinian defense, but not before France rallies back to win a corner.
The resulting corner is taken on the left side but to no avail.
101 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
Argentina makes a double change
De Paul, who has been on the wrong end of a number of challenges, walks off along with talkupditingsdem.
It is Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes will replace them.
103 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
Argentina supporters dreading the prospect of penalties
Argentina supporter Davide Lopez says he was almost sure his side would win inside 90 minutes after going 2-0 up in the first half, describing France’s comeback as “shocking”.
“All of our games are so stressful … if it goes to penalties, my heart will explode,” the 33-year-old, who lives in London, told talkupditingsdem.
Half-time in extra time
We are just 15 minutes away from penalties.
Can Argentina or France end this before though? We shall soon find out.
HT ET: Argentina 2-2 France
The second half of extra time underway
We are back for the final 15 minutes of extra time.
106 mins ET: Argentina 2-2 France
GOAL!
Messi comes to the rescue for Argentina!
108 mins ET: Argentina 3-2 France
Messi’s goal puts Argentina on the brink
After a superb counter is launched, the ball finds Lautaro on the right side who looks to go near the post.
The striker tries his luck but is blocked soundly by Lloris.
The French goalkeeper is unable to hold onto the ball though as the rebound finds a trailing Messi who is able to get behind it to thrust the ball into the goal, with the ball just passing the line before being taken out by Upemacano.
Argentinian fans are crying as Messi may have just delivered the crucial blow of this contest.
108 mins ET: Argentina 3-2 France
Argentina fans go wild
Deafening screams from relieved Argentina fans after that Messi goal
Incredible scenes here at Lusail Stadium.
France make a change
Varane, who looks massively depleted out there, is subbed off for Ibrahima Konate.
113 mins ET: Argentina 3-2 France
Paredes gave a yellow card
It is getting feisty out there now as Camavinga is brought down in unceremonious fashion by Paredes.
Both teams are at each other to let their feelings known, but the referee soon brings things back to control, but not before showing the Argentinian defender the yellow card.
Meanwhile, Mac Allister is subbed off for Exequeil Palacios.
115 mins ET: Argentina 3-2 France
France awarded a penalty!
For Montiel’s handball in the box to the Mbappe shot from outside of the box, the referee has pointed to the spot.
117 mins ET: Argentina 3-2 France
GOAL!
Mbappe goes back on top of the top-scorers list!
He goes top left, with Martinez electing to go bottom right.
What an amazing final this has been so far, and it looks like we are headed to penalties.
118 mins ET: Argentina 3-3 France
Kolo Muani almost ends the match
Mbappe tries to find his partner inside the bow.
The forward does well to get to the ball, but he just can’t get a touch on it to drive it past Martinez on the right side.
120 mins ET: Argentina 3-3 France
Three minutes of stoppage time
The fourth official has signaled for three minutes of stoppage time.
Meanwhile, German Pezzella and Axel Dissai are brought on for Argentina and France respectively.
Kunde and Tagliafico are the players who come off.
120+3 mins ET: Argentina 3-3 France
End of extra time
Martinez twice has a chance at squaring this match once and for all but is unable to finish.
Meanwhile, Kolo Muani, who is on a clear break, is stopped in his tracks by a converging Martinez.
It has been a frenetic end to extra time.
This World Cup final will be decided once and for all by penalties.
FT ET: Argentina 3-3 France
It’s time for penalties
After winning the coin toss, France will go first.
Mbappe scores
He goes left and is able to avoid Martinez, who guessed the right way.
Penalties: Argentina 1-0 France
Coman misses
Coman goes left, and Martinez gets behind it as he punches the air in joy.
Penalties: Argentina 1-1 France
Dybala scores
He goes down the middle and Lloris goes right.
Penalties: Argentina 2-1 France
Tchouameni misses
He goes well wide of the goal as he tried to aim left. Martinez must have thrown him off as he guessed the right direction.
Penalties: Argentina 2-1 France
Paredes scores
Lloris guesses right as the Argentinian went left, even getting a touch on it.
But he is unable to stop it fully as the ball nestles in the bottom corner.
Penalties: Argentina 3-1 France
Kolo Muani scores
With an emphatic finish down the center, Kolo Muani extends a lifeline for France.
Penalties: Argentina 3-2 France
Montiel scores and Argentina wins!
Argentina becomes champions of the world as Montiel converts from the spot!
Penalties: Argentina 4-2 France
Argentina is the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions!
Lionel Messi has realized his destiny as he wins the one trophy that has eluded him his entire career.
Maradona makes way for Messi as he enters the pantheon of champions.
Full-time: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 penalties)
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