Captain Fantastic converts from the spot to give Argentina the lead
By NewsBits
The much-expected final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar between France or Argentina started in a very unusual or if you like, unexpected manner as the Argentines have shocked France with two goals in the first half. Captain Messi scored from the penalty, while magician Angel Di Maria added another from open play to make it 2 – 0 at first half.
The final pits two different yet very successful European and South American sides both seeking to make history for their own unique reasons. Argentina started on a shaky note with the ignominy of losing to minnows, Saudi Arabia, in the group stage. The Albeceleste overcame adversity and have since banded together.
France, in the absence of recuperating striker Karim Benzema, greatly relies on budding superstar Kylian Mbappe to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the World Cup title in consecutive tournaments. But so far, Mbappe has been consumed by the pace and skill Argentina came into the game with.
Benzema is eligible to play since he was not omitted from the team after picking up an injury prior to the team’s departure to Qatar. The France star of Algerian heritage is close to full fitness and even played a cameo role in a recent Real Madrid friendly.
Angel Di Maria scores from open play
However, he is quoted in the foreign media as saying that he is not keen on being part of today’s game ostensibly to avoid the talk of playing and possibly taking the glory in a match other players had fought so hard to reach.
Today’s game is the 13th time the two sides have played, with the South American side having won six, drawn three, and lost another trio, including France beating Argentine in the last edition of the tournament in 2018 when the European nation won 4-3 in the Round of 16.
Argentina have previously won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, and a third will bring them closer to continental rivals Brazil who have five titles, and Germany behind them with four. In 1978, Mario Kempes was the star while Diego Maradona reigned supreme in 1986 and has been in contention for the ‘Greatest of All Times’ prize with Messi and to some extent Cristiano Ronaldo.
If the French does not buckle up in the second 45, Messi and Argentina will run away with the 2022 World Cup, and would stand as defenders in 2026, which Messi may not feature. It is rumoured that this may be his last World Cup as he is planning to retire from the Argentine team after the World Cup, which ends today Sunday December 18, 2022.
