2022 FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina Vs France Full Match Replay

Hey guys, gather 'round because we're about to dive deep into one of the most electrifying finals in football history: the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France! This wasn't just a game; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, a tactical masterclass, and a true testament to the beautiful game. If you missed it live or just want to relive the sheer drama, you're in the right place. We're going to break down the full match replay, analyze the key moments, and celebrate the incredible performances that made this final one for the ages. Get ready to experience the highs and lows, the stunning goals, and the nail-biting tension all over again. This is more than just a replay; it's a journey back to that unforgettable night in Qatar where titans clashed and legends were made. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's relive the magic of Argentina vs. France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final!

The Road to the Final: A Clash of Titans

Before we dive into the full match replay of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, let's set the stage for this epic showdown between Argentina and France. Both teams had navigated a challenging tournament, showcasing incredible resilience, skill, and determination to reach the pinnacle of world football. Argentina, led by the incomparable Lionel Messi, carried the weight of a nation's hopes. Their journey was marked by moments of brilliance, particularly from Messi, who seemed determined to finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him. They overcame tough opponents, displaying a blend of flair and grit that made them a formidable force. The Albiceleste weren't just about individual brilliance, though; they played as a cohesive unit, with their defense tightening up when needed and their midfield controlling the tempo. Their passion on the field was palpable, resonating with fans worldwide who yearned to see Messi achieve his ultimate dream. On the other side, France, the defending champions, were a powerhouse of talent. They boasted an incredible squad depth, with stars like Kylian Mbappé in scintillating form. Despite facing their own hurdles, including injuries to key players, Les Bleus demonstrated why they were considered one of the best teams in the world. Their attacking prowess was undeniable, capable of dismantling any defense with speed, power, and clinical finishing. They had the experience of winning the previous World Cup, a factor that often proves crucial in high-pressure situations. The narrative leading up to the final was rich: Messi's quest for glory versus France's attempt to create history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in the 1960s. This clash of narratives, combined with the sheer quality of players on both sides, promised a final that would be etched in footballing folklore. The anticipation was immense, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the world was ready to witness history unfold. The full match replay would not just show a game, but a battle of wills, a contest of eras, and a defining moment for both footballing giants.

First Half: Argentina Takes Control

As the whistle blew to commence the full match replay of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, the tension in the Lusail Stadium was almost unbearable. Argentina came out with an intensity that immediately put France on the back foot. From the get-go, it was clear that Lionel Scaloni's men were here to impose their game. Their pressing was relentless, their passing sharp, and their attacking intent undeniable. The early exchanges were cagey, as expected in a final of this magnitude, but Argentina soon found their rhythm. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, and it was a moment of pure brilliance and tactical astuteness. Ángel Di María, who had been a constant threat down the left flank, was brought down in the box by Ousmane Dembélé. The referee pointed to the spot, and the stadium erupted. Up stepped the man himself, Lionel Messi, to take the penalty. With ice in his veins, Messi calmly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris, sending the Argentine fans into delirium. It was his sixth goal of the tournament, a crucial one to put his team ahead. Argentina continued to dominate. Their midfield, marshaled by Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, was controlling possession and dictating the play. France, on the other hand, struggled to get a foothold in the game. Didier Deschamps looked visibly concerned, trying to make tactical adjustments, but nothing seemed to work. The second goal for Argentina arrived in the 36th minute, and it was a stunning counter-attack that epitomized their attacking flair. A swift move saw the ball find Julián Álvarez, who then fed a sublime pass to Mac Allister. Mac Allister, with a visionary through ball, set up Ángel Di María perfectly. Di María, making a run into the box, finished with composure, doubling Argentina's lead. It was a goal born out of exquisite team play, a dream move that left the French defense in tatters. The first half concluded with Argentina firmly in the driving seat, enjoying a commanding 2-0 lead. The commentators during the full match replay often highlight how this first half was arguably Argentina's most dominant performance of the entire tournament, showcasing their potential to clinch the trophy. France looked shell-shocked, lacking their usual spark and struggling to create any meaningful chances. The script seemed to be written, but as we all know, World Cup finals rarely follow a predictable path.

Second Half: Mbappé's Resurgence and a Late Thriller

As the second half of the full match replay kicked off, France found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 2-0. Didier Deschamps made crucial substitutions, bringing on Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, changes that would ultimately inject life back into the French attack. Argentina, while holding a comfortable lead, knew the danger of complacency against a team like France. They continued to play their game, looking to control possession and manage the clock. However, France, spurred on by their coach's words and the sheer determination not to let the World Cup slip away, started to find their attacking rhythm. The turning point came in the 79th minute. Nicolás Otamendi's challenge on Kolo Muani in the penalty area was deemed a foul, and the referee awarded France a penalty. The pressure was immense, but Kylian Mbappé stepped up to the plate. He coolly dispatched the penalty, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and igniting a spark of hope for the French faithful. Just minutes later, in the 81st minute, Mbappé struck again, and this time it was pure magic. Collecting a pass from Thuram, Mbappé unleashed a stunning volley from the edge of the box that rocketed into the top corner of the net. It was a goal of incredible quality and power, leveling the scores at 2-2 and sending shockwaves through the stadium and the millions watching the full match replay. Suddenly, the game had transformed from a comfortable Argentine lead into a nail-biting thriller. Both teams pushed for a winner in the dying minutes, with chances falling at both ends. Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save for Argentina, and Hugo Lloris did the same for France. The momentum had shifted entirely, and France, with Mbappé on fire, looked the more likely to score. The sheer drama of the second half, with Mbappé's brace in just two minutes, is a testament to his incredible talent and the unpredictable nature of football. It showcased why this final is considered one of the greatest of all time, a game where a team came back from the brink to force extra time. The resilience and attacking prowess displayed by France in this phase of the full match replay were truly remarkable.

Extra Time: Messi vs. Mbappé, Round Two

With the scores level at 2-2 after an astonishing second-half comeback from France, the full match replay moved into extra time, a period of sustained drama and breathtaking football. This was uncharted territory, a test of endurance and nerve for both sets of players. Argentina seemed to regain their composure first. In the 108th minute, a goalmouth scramble ensued after a shot from Lautaro Martínez was saved by Hugo Lloris. The rebound fell kindly to Lionel Messi, who, despite being surrounded by defenders, managed to stab the ball over the line. Initially, there was confusion, and the French players appealed, believing it was offside or a handball, but the goal stood after a VAR review. Messi had scored his second of the night, and Argentina were leading 3-2. It felt like the winner, the moment that would finally crown Messi's illustrious career. However, the drama was far from over. In the 118th minute, France was awarded another penalty after a handball by Gonzalo Montiel in the box. Kylian Mbappé, with nerves of steel, stepped up once more. He completed his hat-trick with another clinical finish, making it 3-3 and sending the game into a penalty shootout. Mbappé's hat-trick in a World Cup final was a monumental achievement, cementing his status as one of the game's greatest ever players. The sheer spectacle of Messi and Mbappé trading blows in extra time, each scoring crucial goals, was a narrative for the ages. It showcased individual brilliance at its highest level, with both players carrying their teams on their shoulders. The physical and mental fatigue was evident, yet both teams continued to produce moments of magic. The full match replay of extra time is a masterclass in resilience and determination, highlighting the incredible spirit of both Argentina and France. The stage was now set for the ultimate test of nerve: the penalty shootout.

The Penalty Shootout: Argentina Crowned Champions

After an epic 120 minutes of football that ended 3-3, the full match replay culminated in a tense penalty shootout to decide the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions. The atmosphere was electric, with every player knowing that their team's fate rested on their ability to hold their nerve from 12 yards. Argentina went first, with Lionel Messi calmly converting his penalty, sending Lloris the wrong way. France responded, with Kylian Mbappé also scoring his penalty, showing no signs of nerves despite the immense pressure. The shootout continued, with both teams scoring their initial penalties. However, the first real turning point came when Emiliano Martínez made a brilliant save to deny Kingsley Coman, diving low to his right. This gave Argentina a significant psychological advantage. Aurélien Tchouaméni then missed France's third penalty, dragging his shot wide of the post. Argentina capitalized on these misses. Leandro Paredes scored his penalty, and Gonzalo Montiel, the player who had conceded the late penalty, stepped up to take Argentina's decisive spot-kick. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Montiel coolly slotted the ball home, securing a 4-2 victory for Argentina in the penalty shootout. The stadium erupted in jubilation, tears of joy streamed down faces, and the players swarmed Montiel in a chaotic, ecstatic celebration. Lionel Messi, at long last, had won the World Cup, achieving his lifelong dream. The full match replay concludes with Argentina lifting the coveted trophy, a moment etched forever in football history. This penalty shootout, filled with drama, heroic saves, and clutch penalties, was the perfect, albeit agonizing, climax to one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played. It was a true test of character, and Argentina, through sheer grit and determination, emerged victorious, cementing their place in footballing immortality.

Relive the Magic: Watch the Full Match Replay

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into one of the most unforgettable finals the world has ever witnessed. From Messi's early brilliance to Mbappé's stunning comeback and the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France had it all. If you're looking to relive every single moment of this epic encounter, you can find the full match replay online. Numerous platforms offer the complete 90 minutes plus extra time and the dramatic penalty shootout. Watching the full match replay allows you to appreciate the tactical nuances, the individual duels, and the sheer emotional rollercoaster that unfolded. You can analyze Messi's genius, Mbappé's explosive performance, and the incredible resilience shown by both teams. It's a chance to re-experience the goals, the saves, and the iconic moments that made this final a modern classic. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness football history unfold once again. The full match replay is readily available for fans worldwide who want to be transported back to that magical night in Qatar. Whether you're an Argentina fan celebrating a long-awaited triumph or a neutral admirer of incredible football, this replay is a must-watch. It's a reminder of why we love the beautiful game so much – its unpredictability, its drama, and its ability to bring the world together. So go ahead, find that full match replay, and immerse yourself in the brilliance of Argentina vs. France 2022!