The finalists of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar produced arguably the best final in the history of the World Cup last Sunday, in which Argentina left the oil-rich Middle-State with their hands on the glittering trophy, their third in total and the first after 36 years of waiting. La Albiceleste too went on to win three out of the four individual awards available through Lionel Messi (Golden Ball), Emiliano Martínez (Golden Glove) and Enzo Fernández (Young Player). France’s Kylian Mbappé was the only person not from Argentina to break the Argentine dominance in personal honours, but as a member from the losing French side in the final, he was seen devastated holding the consolating Golden Boot award.
Four Goals in Russia, Eight in Qatar
The Paris-born magnificent was only 19 years old when he helped France won only its second World Cup four years ago in Russia. He contributed a total of four goals for the title-winning Les Bleus in the tournament, winning the Young Player as a result. His price tag rose immediately, with every major club in the world wanting his signature to play for them, but he eventually settled down in his hometown club, Paris Saint-Germain with a lucrative contract extension.
Prior and during the World Cup, the defending champion France suffered countless injuries and illness issues, with key players namely Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembe, etc. all not available for Les Bleus for the tournament. Fueled with responsibilities, the 23-year-old Mbappé came to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with only one goal, assisting France to defend its title and become the first nation to complete this unmatched milestone since Brazil did it in 1962; Any awards than this one would only be bonuses for the megastar. The quest was almost completed when they achieved unthinkable feats such as breaking the world champion curse, reaching back-to-back finals, only to be defeated by Messi’s Argentina in the final on penalties.
A Hat-Trick in the Final, Four Goals Away from Klose’s Record
France started the game slow in the final, allowing La Albiceleste to quickly settle in the game and gain an early 2-0 lead in the first 45 minutes. Didier Deschamps’ side looked lost in the game and needed a total of 70 minutes to find their first shot of the game, a strike from the protagonist of this article that sailed over the bar.
With his strike partners Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann all out of the game the minute after his first shot, Kylian Mbappé knew he was France’s only hope of coming back into the game. A lifeline was given few minutes later, allowing Les Bleus to pull one back from the spot. Griezmann’s substitution earlier in the game meant Mbappé, who missed the crucial penalty against Switzerland in the last UEFA European Championship, would have to take care of business. His penalty was guessed correctly by the opposing goalkeeper, but it was too powerful that Martínez could not get hold of it. 97 seconds later, he hit home a sensational volley to equalise, relieving all the pressure France was suffering in the entire game.
Lionel Scaloni’s men were not going to let their precious lead slip away and they scored what would have been a winner in the second extra time period, but another Mbappé spot kick and his eight goal of the tournament forced the Argentines to a decider. His teammate, Randal Kolo Muani could have won the French their second World Cup trophy in as many tournaments, if it was not Martínez’s save. That proved costly as despite the exceptional performance from the 23-year-old forward, his teammates had their penalties saved and missed.
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He Will Come Back Stronger
It was his second consecutive World Cup final in two participations. During the tournament, he achieved accomplishments such as scoring eight goals to win the Golden Boot accolade, getting a second hat-trick ever in a World Cup final as well as increasing his tally to 12 goals as a whole, trailing the all-time leader Miroslav Klose only by four goals.
In response to the loss, he posted a photo on his Instagram, signifying the French is going to come back stronger in their next major tournaments. Just imagine, a mature Mbappé would be even deadlier in the future, as if his current form and abilities are not legendary already.
(Photo Credits: Stadium Astro)
