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☆ 'All-time classic': Former players blown away by thrilling World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 19 (Reuters) - Former players came together in acclaiming the World Cup final in Qatar as one of the best ever after Argentina beat France on penalties following a pulsating 3-3 draw. Messi, in his 26th World Cup match at his fifth tournament, was finally able to get his hands on the elusive trophy and match his predecessor Diego Maradona. "For our country, we will see a picture of Maradona and Messi, two of the greatest players of all time with the World Cup trophy," former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta told the BBC. If you've watched Lionel Messi play live you are truly blessed," the ex-England international Neville told ITV. Neville added that Argentina's win would inspire a new generation of players, pointing to his own experience of watching Maradona play at the 1986 World Cup.

☆ Qatar's 2022 World Cup ends with modest ceremony, titans clash
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close with reigning champions France taking on Argentina in a showpiece final with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest. France's Mbappe and Argentina's Messi, both playing for the Qatari-owned club, are also a reminder of Qatar's influence on global soccer beyond the FIFA World Cup organisation. CONTROVERSYQatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup, which has been marred by controversy, was part of a carefully built strategy by the tiny but rich state to bolster its global influence. "There is the Workers Support and Insurance Fund that will be looking into any matters relating to unfortunate deaths. And that will continue beyond the World Cup," Thawadi said.

A crowning glory for Argentina's icon, or a rare repeat for reigning champion France? The men's World Cup final takes place Sunday in Qatar, capping a month of sporting drama and geopolitical controversy. The tournament has featured surprise results and fairytale runs, but the final will see two giants of the game compete for the title — headlined by a pair of diminutive stars. Lionel Messi will be hoping to secure the trophy that would cement his status as perhaps the game's greatest ever player. The 35-year-old will bow out on the global stage backed by a soccer-mad country that has sent legions of fans to the Mideast.

☆ Argentina win incredible World Cup final in shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Summary Argentina win World Cup for third time after 3-3 drawMessi scores two and nets in shootoutMbappe scores hat-trick as France come from 2-0 downSecond World Cup final penalties defeat for France after 2006LUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Argentina won their third World Cup in an extraordinary final on Sunday as they beat France 4-2 on penalties after Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw that featured a hat-trick for Kylian Mbappe as the holders recovered from 2-0 down. Messi put Argentina ahead again but Mbappe levelled with another penalty, becoming the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick after England's Geoff Hurst in 1966. Argentina have now won six of their seven World Cup shootouts, including the quarter-final against the Netherlands a week ago when they also blew a 2-0 lead, while France have lost three of five, but with two of those defeats coming in finals. It seems all the more incredible coming a month after his team began the tournament by suffering statistically the biggest upset in World Cup history when they were beaten by Saudi Arabia. He and Messi both converted the opening spot-kicks of the shootout but then had to stand back and let their team mates decide their destiny.

☆ Analysis: Drama specialists Argentina deserve their World Cup title
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sunday's World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama. "Argentina have been playing a World Cup final, not us," Deschamps said at halftime. The whole Argentina bench ran onto the pitch like headless chicken, but it was somehow not enough drama for a night to remember. France have conceded all the last 14 penalties against them in shootouts, with the last person to miss Luigi Di Biagio in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. After France's shootout defeats in the Euro 2021 last 16 and 2006 World Cup final, it was a coherent end to a logic-defying final.

☆ Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/15] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates alongside Nicolas Otamendi, Lautaro Martinez and teammates after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Argentina won the World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Argentina their first world title since 1986, and third overall. France had come from two goals down to level over 90 minutes with Kylian Mbappe netting twice in two minutes, including an 80th-minute penalty. The France striker completed his hat-trick in the 118th with another spot-kick after Argentina's Lionel Messi had tapped in for a 3-2 lead in the 109th. Argentina had gone 2-0 up in the first half with Messi, making a record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance, converting a 23rd-minute penalty.

☆ Stage set for clash of titans as Argentina take on France in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close on Sunday when reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest. The last time these two teams met was at the 2018 World Cup where France beat Argentina 4-3 in the last 16, an encounter that was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament in Russia. The final will also see a clash of generational stars when 35-year-old Messi, playing in his final World Cup match, faces his 23-year-old Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe. Both players have scored five goals at the World Cup and could potentially leave Qatar with three trophies as they also vie for the Golden Boot for the top scorer as well as the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Doha Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ France disappointed but proud of fightback in epic World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - France are disappointed they could not successfully defend their World Cup crown after losing to Argentina on penalties in Sunday's final but leave Qatar with heads high having fought until the end, players Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris said. "We are very disappointed of course, we gave everything. We had to face a lot of obstacles during the competition, we gave up nothing," Varane said. France had also come into the final after several players missed training sessions due to illness over the past week, but Lloris refused to use that as an excuse. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Lusail; Editing by Andrew CawthorneOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 'We love this team': Argentina street party erupts after World Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Bearing flags, hats and the country's iconic blue-and-white jerseys, Argentines took over Buenos Aires' downtown and other iconic spots within minutes after the win. "It was an incredible game, at times anguishing," said 46-year-old Diego Aburgeily, who cheered on the national side from the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The South American team, which lost the final of the tournament against Germany in 2014, had not won a World Cup since 1986. [1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Final Qatar 2022 - Fans in Buenos Aires watch Argentina v France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 18, 2022 Argentina fans celebrate winning the World Cup REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian 1 2 3 4 5The final penalty kick from Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel caused the ball to sail neatly into the net. The final win cements Messi's status as a legend among Argentines, with Sunday's match expected to be his last appearance in a World Cup for his country.

☆ Argentina beats France 4-2 on penalties to win the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Argentina's captain and forward #10 Lionel Messi (C) lifts the FIFA World Cup Trophy on stage as he celebrates with teammates after they won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. Kirill Kudryavtsev | Afp | Getty ImagesArgentina won the World Cup on Sunday after beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time. Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez saved Kingsley Coman's penalty and Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to give Argentina their first world title since 1986, and third overall. Argentina's goalkeeper #23 Emiliano Martinez concedes a penalty goal by France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (L) during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022. France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 18, 2022.

☆ France's Mbappe second player to score a hat-trick in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - France forward Kylian Mbappe became the second player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as he dragged his team back from the brink of defeat against Argentina in extra time on Sunday, leaving both teams tied at 3-3 before going to penalties. England's Geoff Hurst was the first player to score three goals in a final when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in 1966. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Lusail, Qatar; Editing by Andrew CawthorneOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ France fight back to draw 2-2 with Argentina and force extra time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - France's Kylian Mbappe scored twice in two minutes late in the game, including an 80th-minute penalty, to salvage a 2-2 draw with Argentina after 90 minutes and force extra time in the World Cup final on Sunday. The Argentineans had struck through captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the first half and were in complete control until Mbappe inspired a dramatic comeback for France, who had looked toothless for much of the game. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ We had to suffer to win the World Cup say Argentina players
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But then Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick to level 3-3 in the 118th minute with France's second penalty that forced the shootout. "There could not have been a World Cup that I have dreamed of like this. It was the third world title for Argentina and the first since the late Diego Maradona won the trophy almost single-handedly in 1986. "Having the chance to win the World Cup with my country is priceless. We had to suffer but we deserved to win" said Argentina defender Rodrigo De Paul.

☆ REVIEW Soccer-Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Both scenarios would be an appropriate final act to the first World Cup staged in an Arab country. But for a month the so-called beautiful game did, in the words of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, spread some joy. The marquee names of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo delivered storylines. In five second-half minutes Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari wrote themselves into Saudi sporting folklore by scoring the goals to overturn a Messi penalty and seal the biggest statistical shock in World Cup history. Messi, channelling his inner-Maradona, inspired Argentina to beat Croatia and few would begrudge the diminutive number 10's record-breaking 26th World Cup appearance ending with him holding aloft the gleaming trophy.

☆ Factbox: 10 memorable impressions from the Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

SAUDI ARABIA STUN ARGENTINAArgentina were cruising in their opening Group C game after Lionel Messi scored a first-half penalty. RONALDO EXITS FINAL WORLD CUP IN TEARSPortugal's talisman became the first male player to score in five World Cups with a penalty against Ghana. FIRST FEMALE REFEREE AT A MEN'S WORLD CUPFrenchwoman Stephanie Frappart was handed control of Germany's final Group E clash against Costa Rica, becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup. Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez described it as a big step forward in 'sexist sport' and the 39-year-old Frappart produced a calm and assured display in Germany's victory. Germany needed a win over Costa Rica and for Spain to beat Japan to go through as runners-up, and at halftime that was exactly what was happening.

☆ Stopping the stars won't be enough to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Despite the high profile performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Qatar, Argentina and France can create danger all over the pitch, so stopping the superstars is only one battle in Sunday's World Cup final war. England were quick to double-team Mbappe whenever he picked up the ball and Argentina, probably through Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul, will try to do the same. Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot have both been excellent in Doha, with the latter expected to return after missing the semi-final through illness. As hundreds of opponents before them can attest, there is no real way to plan to keep him quiet. In general, the two attacks look stronger than the two defences, which, for the neutral at least, is always a good thing in a World Cup final.

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar's soccer World Cup appeared to be a public relations disaster. The event has become a magnifying glass for the tiny petrostate's human rights record, highlighting rather than airbrushing its treatment of LGBTQ people, women and migrant workers. "Qatar has a plethora of political objectives by hosting this event," said Danyel Reiche, a visiting associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, who co-wrote the book "Qatar and the 2022 FIFA World Cup: Politics, Controversy, Change." Qatar has used soccer to "overcome the invisibility of a small state," he added, allowing it to "become more influential in international affairs." Other authoritarian states hoping to burnish their global image may also view the event as a potential blueprint.

☆ Messi's 'Maradona moment' faces formidable French final hurdle
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

They really found their rhythm against Croatia, sweeping aside a team who had just knocked out Brazil, to march into the final on high. France looked the best side in the tournament in their first two group games and recovered from the Tunisia blip to turn on the style in beating Poland 3-1. The final will mark his 26th World Cup appearance, more than any other player, as the stars are seemingly aligning for the mini-maestro. Having lost to Germany in the 2014 final, Argentina are seeking a third triumph to follow 1978 and '86 but France are the team of the moment. Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Key match-ups in World Cup final between Argentina and France
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Semi Final - Argentina v Croatia - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 13, 2022 Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi and Nahuel Molina REUTERS/Carl RecineDOHA, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Argentina and France meet in Sunday's World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Here are three of the key match-ups that are likely to have a strong bearing on the result:Kylian Mbappe v Nahuel MolinaMbappe is a candidate for the World Cup's player of the tournament, having led France to their second consecutive final. The jet-heeled 23-year-old forward has scored five times in six games, surpassing his tally from the 2018 tournament, and has now scored nine World Cup goals in 13 appearances across the two editions. Molina arrived at the World Cup having faced criticism after struggling in his first season with Atletico Madrid, but he has been solid during the tournament and started every match. Lionel Messi v Aurelien TchouameniOne of the most anticipated match-ups will be Argentina great Messi against France's rising star holding-midfielder Tchouameni.

☆ France and Argentina bring multiple plot lines to mouthwatering World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Standing in Messi’s way is his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup trophies. After a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game, Argentina’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start. When asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. Like Griezmann, the 36-year-old Giroud has had a renaissance in this World Cup, after failing to score a single goal in 2018. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

☆ Mental strength, moments of brilliance - how France reached the World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

GROUP STAGE MATCH 2: FRANCE 2-1 DENMARKHaving lost their last two games against Denmark in June and September, France were facing their first real test of the tournament. LAST 16: FRANCE 3-1 POLANDAfter France went through a brief rough patch, Giroud opened the scoring to become France's all-time top scorer on 52 goals - moving one ahead of Thierry Henry. They went ahead thanks to a 25-metre Aurelien Tchouameni strike, but cracked early in the second half with Harry Kane converting a penalty after a Tchouameni foul. They went ahead on five minutes thanks to Theo Hernandez's high-hooked volley, forcing their opponents to take the initiative. France will play Argentina, who are also looking to win the World Cup for the third time, in Sunday's final at the Lusail Stadium.

Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani scored as France defeated underdog Morocco, 2-0, in Qatar on Wednesday, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup final against perennial powerhouse Argentina. The Frenchmen, winners of soccer's most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962. "In four days, we're going to play for a world title and we're really going to enjoy it." Morroco, which captured the world's imagination as the first African side to ever make the World Cup semifinals, will play for third place Saturday against 2018 runner-up Croatia. The next World Cup will be in North America in 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts.

☆ France stand firm to overpower gallant Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"There's emotion, there's pride, there's going to be a final step, we've been together with the players for a month, it's never easy, there's happiness so far," said coach Didier Deschamps. France found themselves in an absorbing battle as Morocco showed them no deference and made many chances of their own, coming close to an equaliser. The world champions’ defence had to scramble several times, including a late goalline clearance and Morocco struck the post with a spectacular bicycle effort. France swept forward and converted their first chance through Hernandez to put their opponents on the back foot. NO FAIRYTALEWhile there was to be no fairytale continuation of their unprecedented run to the last four, Morocco exited with their heads held high.

☆ A second chance: How Messi's Argentina reached the World Cup final again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Messi scored a 10th minute penalty in the first half where Argentina had three goals disallowed for offside before the Saudis struck twice in the second half to stun the South American champions. If Argentina could take any solace from the result, it was that when they lost their group opener to Cameroon in 1990 they still reached the final. Substitute Enzo Fernandez scored with another sublime strike to seal the points and set Argentina on their way amid an electric atmosphere at Lusail Stadium, the biggest arena in Qatar. "Today starts another World Cup for Argentina," Messi had said after admitting they were poor in the first half. LAST 16: ARGENTINA 2-1 AUSTRALIAThe stars seemed to align for Messi in a physical last-16 clash with Australia as he scored in his 1,000th match to move past Maradona's World Cup tally.

☆ Analysis: Tactical masterplan, and grit, take France into World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Regragui had noted on Tuesday that France were tactical masters and able to adjust to any opponents as he praised Didier Deschamps as the best coach in the world. In previous games, Belgium, Spain and Portugal had been unable to match Morocco's grit, but on Wednesday, France showed they were also able to fight tooth and nail and rely on players going above and beyond. That wrapped a win that reminded everyone of France's tournament nous and that Argentina better come up with a masterplan of their own in Sunday's final at Lusail stadium. Just like Belgium were left frustrated by their defeat to France four years ago in Russia, Morocco might feel they were the better team on the day. Yet France once again barged into the final like a regular at a nightclub who gets in without a look from the bouncer.

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