The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, concluded on Sunday, December 18, with Argentina triumphing over defending champions France.
Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, steered his country to the trophy to end a 36-year drought.
Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes finished in a 3-3 stalemate. Messi scored twice.
Messi emerged from the shadow of Diego Armando Maradona to claim the lone trophy lacking from his trophy cabinet.
The moment Messi was carried around the stadium while his fans screamed his name will go down in history as one of the most famous World Cup moments.
After falling to Germany in two World Cup finals, Argentina won its first World Cup since 1986.
With Mario Gotze’s goal in the 113th minute, Argentina lost 2014 final. They lost with a similar goal margin to West Germany in 1990 final.
The 35-year-old football legend, Messi, won every significant title available, both at the club and international levels, including the FIFA World Cup (2022), Copa America (2021), Olympic gold medal (2009), CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (2022), FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015), UEFA Champions League (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), and UEFA Super Cup (2010, 2012, 2016).
The seven-time Ballon D’Or winner left his mark in numerous ways in 2022 Qatar.
He broke German Lothar Matthaus’ record of 25 World Cup appearances to become the player with the most appearances in World Cup history.
Messi also became the first player in World Cup history to score a goal in both the group and knockout phases.
After scoring 13 goals in five World Cups, Messi became Argentina’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
Messi confirmed his determination to continue playing for the national team after 172 caps.
Despite scoring a hat-trick, France’s most significant player, Kylian Mbappe, lost the final on penalties against Argentina.
Mbappe was the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals, but he couldn’t help France win their second World Cup in a row.
Brazil, considered a contender for the 2022 World Cup, was eliminated in the quarterfinals against Croatia.
With all eyes on Brazil, team star Neymar expressed his sadness on the field after the defeat.
He couldn’t move out of his seat and couldn’t stop crying. Attempts to calm the Brazilian player also failed, and he returned to the changing room in tears.
Morocco, which surprised 2018 bronze medalists Belgium 2-0, Canada 2-1, and Croatia goalless, took on Spain on December 6 and shocked previous World champions with a 3-0 penalty shootout triumph.
One of the tournament’s most poignant moments came when Achraf Hakimi kissed his mother in the stands after their victory over Spain.
Morocco fans’ celebrations in Western capitals’ streets also made news during the event.
In the following round, Portugal was a big favourite ahead of their quarterfinal match against Morocco on December 10.
To everyone’s amazement, Morocco won a historic 1-0 victory over Portugal to become the first African and Arab team to reach the quarterfinals.
Moroccan players prostrated themselves in thanks following their victory at Al Thumama Stadium. Millions of people shared photos and video of the incident on social media.
Cristiano Ronaldo was among the substitutes for Portugal, like he was in Switzerland, and was able to enter the game in the second half against Morocco.
The 37-year-old, the only player to score in five World Cups, was overcome with emotion as he walked through the dressing room corridor after being eliminated from his final World Cup.
Morocco’s incredible journey came to an end in the semifinal round, which France won 2-0.
Morocco, dubbed “the Rocky of this World Cup” by head coach Walid Regragui, couldn’t complete their dream run with the major prize, but they left an indelible impact on football fans with their great effort and genuine celebrations.
In Qatar, fans watch outstanding matches.
Japan’s 2-1 comeback victory over Germany was outstanding. Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 comeback triumph, on the other hand, was terrific for the fans.
The dramatic game between Serbia and Ghana ended in a 3-3 tie, with Ghana overcoming a two-goal lead.
No one could give Holland a fighting chance with Argentina leading 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining. However, replacement Wout Weghorst scored twice to take the game into overtime. Emiliano Martinez was a penalty hero, stopping the first two penalties.
Argentina and France’s showdown in Lusail was the best World Cup final ever, thanks to Lionel Messi’s brace and Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick after coming from two goals behind.
Germany and Belgium were disappointed. Uruguay, Denmark, Wales, and Spain
Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage, and the performances of Denmark, Wales, and Uruguay were underwhelming.
People expected more from Spain as they started the World Cup with a 7-0 win over Costa Rica, but they were eliminated on penalties by Morocco in the Round of 16.
The football world was likewise taken aback by Belgium’s early exit from the group stage.
Important 2022 FIFA World Cup statistics
Kylian Mbappe of France, who scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, became the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals.
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal, Antoine Griezmann of France, Harry Kane of England, Lionel Messi of Argentina, and Ivan Perisic of Croatia all had three assists in 2022 Qatar.
France’s National Football Team becoming the tournament’s top-scoring nation with 16 goals demonstrated their attacking prowess.
Costa Rica conceded 11 goals, becoming the side with the most goals conceded in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Spain’s 7-0 Group E victory over Costa Rica was the organization’s biggest win.
The highest-scoring match in 2022 Qatar was a 6-2 victory between England and Iran in Group B.
Alphonso Davies, a Canadian fullback, scored the tournament’s fastest goal in 68 seconds against Croatia in Group F.
At 18 years and three days old, Youssoufa Moukoko of Germany became the youngest player to put on a World Cup match shirt.
At 39 years, 298 days, experienced Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson of Besiktas was the oldest player in 2022 Qatar.
Qatar became the most goal-scoring World Cup in history in 2022, with 172 goals scored.
According to organisers, nearly 3,4 million people watched World Cup matches in stadiums, each match had an average of 53,000 spectators.
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