You write it Argentina versus France, it is read Messi versus Mbappe, means the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. After one of the most talked about editions ever, the World Cup is ready for its last act. The protagonists are the two number 10s: a challenge generational inside the match between the two teammates – not friends – del Paris Saint-Germain.
At the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail two of the most awaited national teams face each other on the eve. There France to repeat the success of four years ago and become the third national team ever to win back-to-back editions, after Italy in 1934-38 and Brazil in 1958-62. L’Argentina to give Messi the trophy that would definitively consecrate his amazing career and to return to victory after 36 years: the last Albiceleste World Cup was raised to the sky in 1986 by Diego Armando Maradona.
Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez, Molina (Montiel since ’91), Rosemary, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Di Maria (Acuna since ’64), De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Leo Messi, Julian Alvarez. Alternator: Scaloni.
France (4-2-3-1): Lloris, Kound, Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez (Camavinga of ’71), Tchouamen, Rabiot (Fofana of ’95), Griezmann (Coman of ’71), Mbappe, Dembele (Colo Muani of ’41), Giroud (Thuram of ’41). Alternators: Deschamps.
THE CHRONICLE
18.11 – Last change for Deschamps: inside Fofana for Rabiot
18.06 – Overtime begins. Change for Argentina: Molina out, Montiel in
18.01 – At the end of the regulations it is 2-2: we go to extra time
18.00 – Yellow also for Acuna: the Argentinian player spends the foul to stop a dangerous counter-attack
17.58 – Giroud booked on the bench: nervousness rises even on the sidelines
17.50 – Yellow for Thuram: simulation in the penalty area
17.43 – Mbappé equalizes after one minute! Sensational 2-2 of France. Gorgeous volley goal by the champion born in ’98. The assist is from substitute Thuram
17.42 – Goal from Mbappé! The number 10 gods Blues find the corner to the right of Emiliano Martínez
17.41 – Penalty for France: Kolo Muani runs away to the left. Otamendi tries to recover but lands him foul
17.33 – Double change for France: Coman and Camavinga enter for Théo Hernandez and Griezmann
17.26 – Substitution for Argentina: Di Maria exits, author of the double, and Acuna enters. Scaloni decides to cover himself by inserting a midfielder with defensive characteristics
17.10 – Rabiot cautioned. First yellow card also for France
17.08 – The second half of the 2022 World Cup final begins
16.52 – The first half ends in Lusail. After seven minutes of added time, the first fraction ends. Argentina ahead 2-0: Messi’s lead from a penalty and Di Maria’s doubling goal
16.51 – Enzo Fernandez warned: first yellow card of the match for the Albiceleste number 24
16.41 – Double substitution for France: Deschamps runs for cover. Outside Dembélé, author of the penalty foul of 1 to 0, and Giroud. Inside Thuram and Kolo Muani
16.36 – Argentina doubles, Di Maria’s goal! Restart vertically on the right wing for Scaloni’s men. Di Maria closes the counterattack, with an assist from Mac Allister
16.22 – Goal from Messi! Advantage of Argentina. The flea displaces Lloris and scores the sixth goal of his World Cup
16.21 – Penalty kick for Argentina: Dembélé lands from behind Di Maria in the area, after the number 11 had cleared his way down the left
16.15 – In the first quarter of an hour of play, Argentina is the most active team in the offensive phase: the Albiceleste pushes on the Messi-Di Maria axis
16.00 – The final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup has begun
15.55 – It’s time for the national anthems
