FIFA World Cup: From Opening Shock Loss To Elusive Title – Argentina's Dream Run
Argentina ended their long title drought and won a 3rd FIFA World Cup as Lionel Messi’s boys overcame France in a penalty shootout on December 18. But rewind to when their campaign started on November 22, one would not have seen this coming.
In their opening game, Argentina were beaten by Saudi Arabia 2-1. It was a massive upset and the knives were out as critics ripped apart Messi’s team and the captain was not spared either. It was clear what Argentina had to do – shut everybody up by playing well. The first priority was to enter the pre-quarters.
Five days later Argentina faced Mexico and Messi led from the front to ensure a 2-0 win and which meant the South Americans were still alive in the tournament.
4 days after that Argentina dispatched Poland 2-0 to top the group and set up a last-sixteen encounter vs Australia. The campaign was finally back on track.
AFP
Australia did not give them too much trouble. Messi provided the lead once more and Argentina won 2-1 despite conceding an own goal in the latter stages. The Dutch beckoned in the quarters.
The quarterfinal vs Netherlands was a seesaw affair. Messi converted a spot kick to give Argentina a 2-0 lead but Netherlands came back from the dead to make it 2-2 and take it to extra time. That resulted in penalties and Argentina held their nerve to win the shootout 4-3.
In the semis, Croatia awaited them. The game was anything but a contest. Skipper Messi gave Argentina the lead again and Julian Alvarez’s brace knocked the stuffings out of Croatia. Argentina won 3-0 to enter yet another final.
AFP
Facing them in the summit clash were defending champions France, the same side that eliminated theme in the pre-quarters in 2018. Messi converted an early spot kick before Di Maria doubled the lead. But the advantage was squandered away after Kylian Mbappe scored from the spot and in the very next minute hammered a bullet shot into the goal. 2-2 and into extra time the final went. Messi scored once more and Argentina were 3-2 up. But Mbappe converted a late penalty to make it 3-3. A penalty shootout would decide the champion for just the 3rd time. Argentina were cool under pressure and won 4-2 to end the title drought and Messi finally had his date with destiny.
It was a dream run for Argentina and turning it around after an upset loss to take home the title after 36 years is something that will be talked about in years to come. Messi is part of football history and this tournament will be one Argentina fans are never going to forget.
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