Jozi Gist Sports takes a short trip down Memory Lane. Last Sunday’s epic world cup Final between France and Argentina was certainly one for the history books.
The night of Sunday, 18th of December, 2022 is a date that will be difficult for all football lovers to forget. Let us re-live these moments:
The closing ceremony of Qatar 2022 was a prodigiously pretty piece of FIFA memorabilia.
An 80 000 packed Lusail stadium gleamed and glowed in gold as a classic football story loaded to be told.
The World Cup, concluded with a grand closing ceremony themed ‘A Night to Remember’. It was indeed a nostalgic night of pure bliss under glistening lights and stunningly beautiful skies.
The beautiful mix of Arabic singing, filled with English and French, Hindi and bits of Spanish and African culture was a fitting tribute to arguably the best World Cup edition since 1930. The epic event begun with a symphony of celestial harmonies by Qatari artist Dana who performed a rendition of ‘What A Wonderful World’ in Arabic and English.
Palestinian poet, Tamim Al Barghouti then wowed the world with words from his recital titled, “The Beautiful Game”. The poem pointedly celebrated the accomplishments of the global games in breaking down barriers that divide people. The quadrennial tournament that was initially marred with controversy and negativity metamorphosed into a cauldron of unity. Nigerian Afro pop sensation, Davido and Aisha tapped into this spirit of oneness as they performed ‘Hayya Hayya’ (Better together), the official soundtrack of the World Cup. The immediate reaction of the crowd was palpable elation born out of a feeling of transportation to a world surreal. The mood was eclectic! You wanted it to last forever……
As Balqees, Rahma Riad, Manal, Nora Fatehi started to sing the song ‘Light the Sky’, 32 balls floated fleetingly into the sky for about 2 minutes. Talk of synchronization! In the twinkle of an eye only two balls were left. They signified the two countries about to go to war for the world Cup trophy! As the curtains gradually came down on the breath-taking spectacle, the entire world gathered to watch a scintillating show that ended with a fairy-tale many football aficionados feared would never translate into reality – Lionel Messi Lifting the Fifa World Cup!
Twitter CEO Elon Musk, England football legend David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Paul Pogba were all spotted in the stands, awaiting the phenomenal finishing of Qatar 2022. Bollywood actor, Ranveer Singh and cricket legend Ravi Shastri too were present. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stood next to French Head of State, Emmanuel Macron to witness the clash of the titans and partake in the world’s favourite madness!
Sunday’s showdown in Lusail will forever be etched in the memories of many as one of the greatest finals ever played. What a game of football! The atmosphere was electrifying! The deafening cheering of passionate fans tore through the intense air as two great teams walked out to sing their national anthems. The players had their game face on in the tunnel as ‘Allez Les Bleus’ rang round a section of the crowd. Argentinean football fans fervently chanted ‘Vamos Argentina’ moments before the kick-off.
France’s World Cup hero Kylian Mbappe aimed to recapture the winning feeling of Russia 2018 while Messi sought Argentina’s first final win since 1986.The spirit of Maradona was certainly present with the men in sky blue and white stripes as two first half goals by Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria sent shockwaves through the streets of Paris.
Such was the desire for fresh ideas that France coach, Didier Deschamps made two first half changes. Winger Ousmane Dembele, whose foul had given Argentina a penalty for the first goal, and striker Olivier Giroud, were subbed off after only 40 minutes. Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram were their replacements as Les Blues gradually came alive in the second half. The genius of Mbappe started to unfold by the 80th minute. The super striker moved with breath-taking swiftness that left even opposing defenders breathless! His top speed, balance, control and pure instinct was just too hot for Emiliano Martinez and his defenders to handle. France’s blue-eyed boy scored two goals in two minutes to tie the game at 2 – 2 with 90 minutes gone.
It was not over! Not by a long shot!
The momentum seemed to have shifted from the Argentinians. The elements looked aligned in favour of France in extra-time! The substitutes on Argentina’s bench started to fear the worst. Di Maria in particular was a nervous wreck. Tears flowed down his cheeks in agony as he helplessly watched the drama unfold and his World Cup dream slip away.
Was history about to repeat itself?! Memories from the 2014 final came flashing back. Suddenly, the unexpected happened. Against the run of play, Messi scored again.
There was however time for more drama. France equalised again before time was out as Mbappe completed his hat trick with another penalty following a Gonzalo Montiel handball, directing the game to a tense shootout.
Mbappe and Messi converted the two opening penalties, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved spot kicks from France’s Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni before Montiel stepped up and fired Argentina to World Cup glory!
What a cruel way to lose! And what a story of glory for La Albiceleste! From the disgrace of losing to Saudi Arabia to being crowned World Champions!
Golden boot winner, Kylian Mbappe had shone like the nightly sparkle and twinkle of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Player of the Tournament, Lionel Messi had certainly lived up to the pre-match hype! Packed sports bars around the world reverberated with chants of the name ‘Messi, Messi, Messi!’
Images of Messi lifting the World Cup high in a traditional Qatari cloak would forever live in our memories. The night he solidified his status as the best of his generation became one of untold celebrations in Argentina. That was a night the world witnessed the greatest World Cup final of all times!
Our in-house feature writer and The Quick 5 Show host Adelani Ogunrinade gave his highlight’s from the recently concluded World Cup in Qatar.
Here is what he had to say: