Former England defender Rio Ferdinand summed up what most of us were thinking after one of the greatest finals in World Cup history.
It had everything. Superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe going head to head. Dramatic comeback goals. And a nerve-wracking penalty shootout decider.
Social media was sent into meltdown, sports stars around the world were transfixed and those in Lusail Stadium were treated to a mouth-watering showpiece.
Source: BBC Sport
“I couldn’t imagine that happening – where you see two great teams going toe to toe and no-one takes a back step,” said Ferdinand on BBC One.
“The two superstars on either team slugging it out, goal for goal…magnificent.”
Ex-England striker Alan Shearer added: “We’re breathless, it was just an unbelievable final. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t think I’ll ever see anything like it again. It was staggering.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he was “calm” afterwards, but could not hide his elation.
“The match was completely insane. I know we had a good match, we could have won in the first 90 minutes,” he said.
“I have the best feelings ever. The most important thing is how we achieved this.”
How a fabulous final unfolded
- 23 mins – Argentina 1-0 France – Messi scores a penalty
- 36 mins – Argentina 2-0 France – Angel di Maria doubles Argentina’s lead
- 80 mins – Argentina 2-1 France – Mbappe responds with a penalty
- 81 mins – Argentina 2-2 France – Mbappe equalises with stunning volley
- 108 mins – Argentina 3-2 France – Messi restores Argentina’s lead in extra-time
- 118 mins – Argentina 3-3 France – Mbappe nets his hat-trick to set-up shootout decider
Much of the focus was on Argentina’s Messi and France’s Mbappe before kick-off as both were level in the race for the Golden Boot and seen as the superstars to lead their teams to glory.
But Mbappe barely had a sniff in the first half as Argentina took just four minutes to have their first shot on target through Alexis Mac Allister, and went on to dismantle the defending champions.
Messi’s first contribution came in the 23rd minute when he scored from the penalty spot to put Argentina ahead and Angel di Maria doubled the advantage 13 minutes later.
How social media reacted to 2022 showpiece
Someone needs to tell France that they are in fact playing in a World Cup final….
— Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) December 18, 2022
The best #FIFAWorldCup Final ever.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 18, 2022
My god, #FIFAWorldCup. This game is a gorgeous, evil curse. I love it so much make it stop.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 18, 2022