Argentina are the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions after beating France 4-2 on penalties; after a 3-3 drawn game after extra time.
Argentina are the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions after beating France 4-2 on penalties; after a 3-3 drawn game after extra time.
Manager Lionel Scaloni made only a change from their last game, bringing on Angel Di Maria to replace Leandro Paredes in the line up. Nicolas Tagliafico has also been maintained on the left due to a late Injury sustained by Marcus Acuna.
With France, Dayot Upamecano and Andrien Rabiot have both returned into the starting XI to replace Ibrahima Konate and Youssouf Fofana.
The Argentines begun on a very good note with some early attacks but the first on target from Alexis MacAlister went straight at the throat of Hugo Lloris.
France however, looked very relaxed in the opening minutes, as they always loved to keep the ball by themselves to contain the pressure from their opponents.
The Albiceleste broke on a 16th minute counterbreak, Messi lays off to De Paul on the right, cuts back nicely to the latter but failed to control and fell on the path of Di Maria but fired wide for a goalkick.
France with a free kick after Theo Hernandez was fouled on the left side of the penalty box. Griezmann header met Giroud's towering header but went wide and foul was subsequently awarded against the AC Milan forward.
Argentina finally awarded a penalty on the 21st minute after Di Maria was clipped down by Osmane Dembele in the box. Lionel Messi stepped up and sends Hugo Lloris the wrong way to snatch the lead.
The Blues given a free kick after Giroud was fouled by Romero but the resulting kick was checked.
Angel Di Maria doubled the lead on the 36th minute with a close range finish after receiving a beautiful pass from MacAlister. It ended 2-0 after half time.
Back from recess, France took in charge of the game in terms of possession but yet couldn't make any dangerous attempt to trouble the opposition defence.
Nearly a howler on the part of Emiliano Martinez after a mis-kick which caused a quick scare but Nicolas Otamendi subsequently found safety.
On the 58th minute, after De Paul's strike, Alvarez came up with Argentina's second attempts in the second half but his shot went side netting.
The French kept on attacking with so much intent and purpose in search for the equalizer but a 67th minute Griezmann corner kick was cleared.
Kylian Mbappe had his first shot on goal after going pass Messi in the box but his effort went off target for a restart.
Substitute Kolo Muani wins Argentina a penalty after he was brought down by Otamendi on the 78th minute. Kylian Mbappe took the mantle and scored to reduce the deficit.
The Blues finally got the leveller on the 81st minute through Kylian Mbappe who connected with Marcus Thuram to struck into the bottom left corner. No one saw that coming!
Lionel Messi came so close to scoring but his curler was tipped off by Hugo Lloris to a wasted corner kick. It ended 2-2 after full time, game travels to extra time.
Messi scored on the 108 minutes, after nipping on a loose save from Hugo Lloris. Just what they have been hunting for.
Kylian Mbappe struck straight to the hands of Montiel in the box. The latter stepped up and scored beautifully once again to get the equaliser. It ended 3-3 after extra time.
Argentina won 4-2 on penalties.
BEST YOUNG PLAYER: Enzo Fernandes (Argentina)
BEST GOALKEEPER: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
TOP SCORER: Kylian Mbappe (8 goals)
GOLDEN BALL (OVERALL BEST PLAYER): Lionel Messi
