Argentina Beats France to Win World Cup
France came close to being the first team to repeat as World Cup champions since 1962, but was denied by Argentina on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time to give the South American team it’s third World Cup. The score was 3-3 at the end of extra time, with Argentina out scoring France on penalty kicks 4-2.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi got the scoring going in the first period with a goal at 23 minutes; teammate Angel Di Maria added a second goal at 36 minutes. At this level of play, a two goal lead often is insurmountable, but in the second period, France’s Kylian Mbappe scored a pair of goals just one minute apart, at 80 and 81 minutes. Messi and Mbappe both scored a goal in Extra Time; Mbappe’s Hat Trick was only the second one in a World Cup Final. The championship would come down to penalty kicks, similar to a shootout in hockey. Argentina was successful on all four of its kicks, while France could only convert two, giving Argentina its first World Cup since 1986. Argentina also won it in 1978.
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Mark, This World Cup was the best I have ever seen. So many twists and turns. It was epic for lack of a better term. Even when it was over I wanted to see more. Several rising stars on both teams imo. I must admit I was glad to Messi finally win the World Cup after such a stellar career. At age 35 he’s no spring chicken in the sport of Soccer. Mbappé at age 23 has many years ahead. His hat trick showed why he is the highest paid player in the sport this year for sure. This match is definitely one for the record books in more ways than one.