Mona Gelfgatt
This year, the World Cup has been like no other. Twists and turns were thrown at us each game, and everyone has been enthralled by it. The final was exceptional. France vs. Argentina. Mbappe vs. Messi. The fans were screaming, crying, jumping, oh it was a rollercoaster of a game.
2022’s World Cup has been nothing but unexpected surprises. From Germany’s almost immediate elimination, Morocco’s incredible success, and Brazil’s near rise to victory that sadly came to an end, no one knew how this tournament would end. Pitting the two best players of the season against each other, anything could happen.
So there came December 18, 2022, 10 am. Qatar was roaring with people, the stadium overflowing. The players came onto the field, and immediately Argentina flew in with attack after attack. 22 minutes in, Argentina gains a penalty, and Messi makes a flawless shot into the gate. But it didn’t stop there.
As the anticipation of goals kept coming, Argentina made several attacks. Di Maria, who hasn’t been that vivid in this season, scored an incredible goal at the 35 minute mark, putting Argentina at 2-0. It wasn’t looking too good for France.
Half-time came around, remaining at 2-0. The teams rested and talked of the upcoming strategies for the second half. The second the clock started ticking, Argentina’s game plan was seemingly different. It was no longer that hard-pressing drive that led them to a whopping 2-0. It was a more laid back approach that, unfortunately, didn’t go as well as planned. Now France was pushing. In the 80th minute, they were granted a penalty, with which Mbappe turned the score to 2-1. With a thriving drive, France, within a minute, scored yet another goal. 2-2! Fans went crazy. What was thought to be minutes to Argentinian victory, was now a true battle to be fought.
Surpassing the 90 minute mark, two 15 minute plays were at hand. Two goals were scored, one Mbappe (again), one Messi (again). 3-3.
Anticipating the wins, everyone was at the edge of their seats as it was time for the penalty kicks. The two teams lining the fields, fans on their feet, goalies in utter terror, they were ready. Each player gave it their all, but Argentina took the win for the 2022 World Cup, and Messi accepted his victory as the best player.