FIFA World Cup 2022 Final: Stats, Key Moments & Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, a match that had us all on the edge of our seats! This wasn't just any game; it was a clash of titans between Argentina and France, filled with drama, unforgettable moments, and nail-biting tension. So, let’s break down the stats, key plays, and everything that made this final one for the ages. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just catching up, you're in for a treat!

Match Overview

The FIFA World Cup 2022 final took place on December 18, 2022, at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from all over the globe packing the stands to witness what promised to be an epic showdown. Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, faced off against the defending champions, France, spearheaded by the phenomenal Kylian Mbappé. From the kickoff, it was clear that both teams were hungry for victory. The game was officiated by Szymon Marciniak, and his performance was under intense scrutiny as every decision could potentially alter the course of history. Before we get into the detailed stats, let's paint a picture of how the match unfolded.

First Half

Argentina dominated the first half, showcasing tactical superiority and relentless pressure. They controlled the midfield, effectively cutting off France's supply lines and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, sending the Argentinian fans into a frenzy. The penalty was awarded after Ángel Di María was brought down in the box. Argentina continued to press, and in the 36th minute, Di María himself scored a brilliant goal, extending Argentina's lead to 2-0. The Argentinian team's cohesive play and strategic brilliance left France struggling to find their rhythm. At halftime, the scoreline reflected Argentina's dominance, leaving France with a mountain to climb.

Second Half

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. France, facing a two-goal deficit, came out with renewed vigor and determination. Kylian Mbappé stepped up, displaying his world-class talent and electrifying speed. In the 80th minute, Mbappé scored a penalty, igniting a spark of hope for the French team. Just a minute later, he scored again with a stunning volley, leveling the score and stunning the Argentinian supporters. The game was now tied 2-2, and the momentum had completely swung in France's favor. The final minutes of the second half were filled with tension as both teams pushed for a winning goal, but neither could break the deadlock, leading to extra time.

Extra Time

Extra time was nothing short of a rollercoaster. In the 108th minute, Lionel Messi scored again, seemingly securing the victory for Argentina. The Argentinian fans erupted in celebration, believing that their team had finally clinched the title. However, the drama was far from over. In the 118th minute, Mbappé converted another penalty, completing his hat-trick and once again leveling the score. The game was now tied 3-3, and the tension was palpable. The final minutes of extra time saw both teams desperately searching for a winning goal, but neither could find the back of the net, leading to a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. Argentina emerged victorious, winning the shootout 4-2. Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel all converted their penalties, while France saw Kingsley Coman and AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni miss their spot-kicks. The Argentinian goalkeeper, Emiliano MartĂ­nez, played a crucial role, saving Coman's penalty and unsettling the French penalty takers. Montiel’s winning penalty sparked scenes of jubilation as Argentina secured their third World Cup title.

Key Stats

Alright, let’s break down some of the key stats from the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. These numbers tell a story of dominance, resilience, and sheer brilliance from both sides.

  • Possession: Argentina held 53% of the possession, indicating their control over the game's tempo for significant periods. France had 47% possession, reflecting their periods of intense pressure and counter-attacking.
  • Shots: Argentina had 20 shots in total, with 10 on target, showcasing their attacking intent. France had 12 shots, with 5 on target, indicating their efficiency in converting opportunities, particularly through MbappĂ©'s brilliance.
  • Passing Accuracy: Argentina had a passing accuracy of 82%, reflecting their cohesive teamwork and ability to maintain possession. France had a passing accuracy of 78%, showing their ability to distribute the ball effectively despite facing intense pressure.
  • Fouls: Argentina committed 19 fouls, while France committed 15, reflecting the physical nature of the game and the intense battles for possession.
  • Yellow Cards: Argentina received 8 yellow cards, indicating their aggressive approach and tactical fouling. France received 3 yellow cards, suggesting a more disciplined approach.
  • Corners: Argentina earned 5 corners, while France had 7, showing their respective opportunities to create scoring chances from set-pieces.

Key Moments

Now, let's highlight some key moments that defined the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. These were the plays that had everyone talking and ultimately shaped the outcome of the match.

  1. Lionel Messi's Penalty (23rd minute): Messi's composed penalty set the tone for Argentina's dominance in the first half, giving them an early lead and boosting their confidence.
  2. Ángel Di María's Goal (36th minute): Di María's stunning goal extended Argentina's lead, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical brilliance.
  3. Kylian Mbappé's Brace (80th & 81st minutes): Mbappé's quickfire double, including a penalty and a brilliant volley, brought France back into the game and shifted the momentum dramatically.
  4. Lionel Messi's Second Goal (108th minute): Messi's second goal in extra time seemed to secure the victory for Argentina, sending their fans into wild celebrations.
  5. Kylian Mbappé's Hat-Trick Penalty (118th minute): Mbappé's third goal, a penalty, completed his hat-trick and once again leveled the score, highlighting his incredible composure under pressure.
  6. Emiliano Martínez's Penalty Save: Martínez’s crucial save against Coman in the penalty shootout proved decisive, swinging the advantage firmly in Argentina's favor.
  7. Gonzalo Montiel's Winning Penalty: Montiel’s successful penalty kick sealed Argentina's victory, triggering ecstatic celebrations and cementing his place in Argentinian football history.

Player Performances

Let’s talk about some standout player performances from the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Certain individuals truly shone, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

  • Lionel Messi (Argentina): Messi's performance was nothing short of legendary. He scored two goals, including a crucial penalty, and played a pivotal role in Argentina's attacking movements. His leadership and determination were evident throughout the match, earning him the Golden Ball award.
  • Kylian MbappĂ© (France): MbappĂ© delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring a hat-trick and showcasing his incredible speed, skill, and composure. Despite France's loss, his performance cemented his status as one of the world's best players.
  • Ángel Di MarĂ­a (Argentina): Di MarĂ­a was instrumental in Argentina's first-half dominance, scoring a brilliant goal and winning the penalty that led to Messi's opener. His energy and creativity were vital to Argentina's attacking play.
  • Emiliano MartĂ­nez (Argentina): MartĂ­nez's penalty shootout heroics were crucial to Argentina's victory. His save against Coman and his intimidating presence unsettled the French penalty takers.
  • Antoine Griezmann (France): Griezmann worked tirelessly in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. His passing and vision were key to France's attacking movements.

Tactical Analysis

Now, let's dive into some tactical analysis of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. Understanding the strategies employed by both teams can give us deeper insights into the game.

Argentina's game plan revolved around controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. They aimed to disrupt France's midfield and create scoring opportunities through quick transitions. Their tactical flexibility allowed them to adapt to changes in the game's momentum.

France initially struggled to cope with Argentina's intensity but adapted in the second half by utilizing Mbappé's pace and direct running. They focused on counter-attacks and set-pieces to create scoring chances. However, they struggled to contain Argentina's midfield dominance for extended periods.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2022 final was an unforgettable match filled with drama, excitement, and world-class performances. Argentina's victory, led by the inspirational Lionel Messi, marked the culmination of a remarkable journey. The stats, key moments, and player performances all contributed to a final that will be remembered for generations. Whether you're an Argentina fan celebrating their triumph or a neutral observer appreciating the spectacle, this final was a true testament to the beautiful game. What a ride, right?