Hey guys! Let's dive into the exhilarating Argentina vs. France 2022 World Cup final! This match was an absolute rollercoaster, filled with drama, stunning goals, and nail-biting tension. We're going to break down the player ratings and provide a detailed match analysis to relive every heart-stopping moment. Let's get started!

Argentina Player Ratings

Argentina's squad showcased incredible resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament, culminating in their World Cup victory. The team's performance in the final was a testament to their unity and individual brilliance. Let's break down the individual performances with detailed ratings.

Emiliano Martínez: 9/10

Emiliano Martínez, the hero between the posts, delivered a performance for the ages. His crucial saves throughout the match, including an unforgettable stop in extra time, kept Argentina in the game. Martínez's penalty shootout heroics, saving Coman's attempt and intimidating Tchouaméni, cemented his place as a national icon. His confidence and ability to rise to the occasion were instrumental in Argentina's triumph. Beyond the saves, his command of the area and distribution were also noteworthy, providing a sense of security to the defense. He was a calming presence during a chaotic match, and his leadership shone through in the most critical moments.

Nahuel Molina: 6.5/10

Nahuel Molina had a solid yet challenging game. While he demonstrated his usual energy and willingness to contribute to the attack, he faced significant pressure from the French wingers, particularly Mbappé. Molina struggled at times with the pace and trickery of his opponents, leading to a few anxious moments for the Argentine defense. However, he showed resilience and determination, battling hard throughout the match. His contribution in the attacking third was limited due to the defensive responsibilities, but he remained a reliable presence on the right flank. Molina's performance underscores the demanding nature of facing a world-class opponent like France.

Cristian Romero: 7.5/10

Cristian Romero was a rock in the heart of Argentina's defense. His aggressive tackling, timely interceptions, and no-nonsense approach disrupted many French attacks. Romero's physicality and aerial ability were crucial in dealing with the threat of Giroud and later, Thuram. He showcased his leadership qualities, organizing the defense and providing a calming influence. While he was occasionally caught out by the pace of Mbappé, his overall performance was outstanding. Romero's commitment and passion were evident in every challenge, making him a vital component of Argentina's defensive setup. His partnership with Otamendi provided a solid foundation for the team's success.

Nicolás Otamendi: 7/10

Nicolás Otamendi brought his characteristic grit and experience to the Argentine defense. He was strong in the tackle and made several important clearances. However, he conceded a penalty, which allowed France to equalize, slightly tarnishing his performance. Despite this setback, Otamendi continued to battle and provide vital defensive cover. His experience and determination were invaluable in guiding the younger players through the intense pressure of the final. Otamendi's aerial presence and ability to read the game were crucial in neutralizing many French attacks. While not a flawless performance, his contribution to Argentina's victory was significant.

Nicolás Tagliafico: 6/10

Nicolás Tagliafico had a relatively quiet game. He was defensively sound but offered limited support in attack. Tagliafico focused primarily on containing Dembélé and preventing him from cutting inside. While he was successful in limiting Dembélé's impact, he didn't provide the same attacking threat as Acuña, who replaced him later in the game. Tagliafico's performance was solid and disciplined, but he lacked the dynamism and creativity to make a significant impact in the final third. His main focus was on defensive stability, which he provided effectively.

Rodrigo De Paul: 7/10

Rodrigo De Paul was the engine of the Argentine midfield, displaying boundless energy and determination. He tirelessly tracked back, won tackles, and supported the attack. De Paul's pressing and work rate were crucial in disrupting France's rhythm and winning back possession. While his passing wasn't always precise, his overall contribution was immense. De Paul's passion and commitment were evident in every challenge, inspiring his teammates and energizing the crowd. He played a vital role in controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game. His performance highlighted his importance to the Argentine team.

Enzo Fernández: 7.5/10

Enzo Fernández, the young Benfica midfielder, continued to impress with his composure and vision. He distributed the ball effectively, broke up French attacks, and showed remarkable maturity for his age. Fernández's ability to read the game and make intelligent passes was crucial in maintaining Argentina's control of the midfield. He also contributed defensively, making important interceptions and tackles. His performance earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award, a testament to his outstanding contribution throughout the World Cup. Fernández's calm demeanor and technical ability make him a star for the future.

Alexis Mac Allister: 7/10

Alexis Mac Allister delivered a composed and intelligent performance in midfield. His passing was accurate, his movement was clever, and he contributed both defensively and offensively. Mac Allister's ability to find space and create opportunities was crucial in unlocking the French defense. He also showed great awareness in tracking back and supporting the defense. His assist for Di María's goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his vision and technique. Mac Allister's understated yet effective performance highlighted his importance to the Argentine team.

Ángel Di María: 8/10

Ángel Di María was a constant threat to the French defense. His pace, trickery, and direct running caused all sorts of problems. He won the penalty that led to Argentina's first goal and then scored a superb goal himself. Di María's performance was a reminder of his quality and experience. His energy and determination were infectious, inspiring his teammates and energizing the crowd. Although he was substituted in the second half, his impact on the game was undeniable. Di María's contribution was crucial in Argentina's victory.

Lionel Messi: 9.5/10

Lionel Messi, the maestro, delivered a performance that will be etched in World Cup history. He scored two goals, including one in extra time, and converted his penalty in the shootout. Messi's influence on the game was immense, dictating the tempo, creating chances, and inspiring his teammates. His movement, passing, and dribbling were mesmerizing, leaving the French defense chasing shadows. This World Cup victory cements his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi's leadership and determination were evident throughout the tournament, culminating in this historic triumph.

Julián Álvarez: 6.5/10

Julián Álvarez worked tirelessly upfront, pressing the French defense and making intelligent runs. However, he didn't have many clear-cut chances to score. Álvarez's energy and commitment were valuable, but he lacked the clinical finishing to make a significant impact. He was eventually substituted in the second half. Álvarez's performance was solid but unspectacular, highlighting the challenges of playing against a well-organized defense.

Substitutes:

• Marcos Acuña (6.5/10): Provided more attacking impetus than Tagliafico.
• Gonzalo Montiel (7/10): Converted the winning penalty but also conceded one.
• Leandro Paredes (6.5/10): Added steel to the midfield.
• Lautaro Martínez (6/10): Missed a couple of good chances.
• Paulo Dybala (6.5/10): Scored his penalty in the shootout.

France Player Ratings

France, the defending champions, displayed their quality and resilience, but ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout. Despite their best efforts, individual errors and Argentina's tactical superiority proved decisive. Here's a look at their player ratings.

Hugo Lloris: 6/10

Hugo Lloris had a mixed game. He couldn't save any of the penalties in the shootout and didn't look entirely convincing throughout the match. Lloris made a few decent saves but was also beaten too easily on a couple of occasions. His distribution was also questionable at times. Lloris's performance was below his usual standards, and he failed to inspire confidence in his defense.

Jules Koundé: 5.5/10

Jules Koundé struggled to contain Di María in the first half and was eventually substituted. Koundé looked uncomfortable and out of position, failing to provide adequate defensive cover. His attacking contribution was also minimal. Koundé's performance was a disappointment, and he failed to make a positive impact on the game.

Raphaël Varane: 6.5/10

Raphaël Varane, despite battling illness, put in a decent performance. He made some important interceptions and clearances, but was also caught out of position on a few occasions. Varane's experience and leadership were valuable, but he lacked the sharpness and agility to fully contain the Argentine attack. His performance was commendable given his physical condition, but he couldn't prevent Argentina from scoring three goals.

Dayot Upamecano: 5/10

Dayot Upamecano had a difficult game. He was at fault for Argentina's first goal, conceding a penalty. Upamecano struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Argentine forwards. His passing was also inaccurate at times. Upamecano's performance was below par, and he contributed to France's defensive woes.

Theo Hernandez: 5/10

Theo Hernandez was also substituted after a poor performance. He struggled to contain Di María and offered little in attack. Hernandez's defensive positioning was questionable, and he failed to provide adequate support to his teammates. His performance was a disappointment, and he was rightly replaced.

Aurélien Tchouaméni: 6/10

Aurélien Tchouaméni had a mixed game. He worked hard in midfield but also gave away a crucial penalty in the shootout. Tchouaméni made some important tackles and interceptions but lacked the creativity to unlock the Argentine defense. His performance was solid but unspectacular.

Adrien Rabiot: 6.5/10

Adrien Rabiot battled tirelessly in midfield, winning tackles and making interceptions. However, he also gave the ball away too often. Rabiot's energy and commitment were valuable, but he lacked the composure and precision to dictate the tempo of the game. His performance was decent but not enough to turn the tide in France's favor.

Antoine Griezmann: 5.5/10

Antoine Griezmann was surprisingly ineffective and was substituted in the first half. He failed to create any meaningful chances and looked off the pace. Griezmann's performance was a major disappointment, and he failed to live up to expectations.

Ousmane Dembélé: 4/10

Ousmane Dembélé had a disastrous first half, conceding a penalty and offering little in attack. He was rightly substituted at halftime. Dembélé's performance was a complete failure, and he contributed to France's early struggles.

Kylian Mbappé: 9/10

Kylian Mbappé, the phenom, almost single-handedly dragged France back into the game with a stunning hat-trick. He scored two penalties and a brilliant volley to level the score. Mbappé's pace, power, and finishing were breathtaking. Despite his heroics, it wasn't enough to secure the victory. Mbappé's performance was truly remarkable, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world.

Olivier Giroud: 5/10

Olivier Giroud was largely anonymous and was substituted in the first half. He failed to make any meaningful impact on the game. Giroud's performance was a disappointment, and he was unable to trouble the Argentine defense.

Substitutes:

• Randal Kolo Muani (7.5/10): Won a penalty and was a constant threat.
• Marcus Thuram (7/10): Added energy and creativity to the attack.
• Kingsley Coman (6.5/10): Missed his penalty in the shootout.
• Eduardo Camavinga (6.5/10): Provided more stability in midfield.

Match Analysis

Argentina dominated the first 80 minutes, playing with intensity, tactical discipline, and attacking flair. Their midfield controlled the game, and their forwards created numerous chances. France, on the other hand, were surprisingly subdued and struggled to cope with Argentina's pressure. However, Mbappé's incredible hat-trick sparked a dramatic comeback, forcing extra time and eventually penalties. Argentina ultimately prevailed in the shootout, securing their third World Cup title.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Argentina controlling the first and France staging a remarkable comeback in the second. Argentina's early dominance was built on a solid defensive foundation, a dynamic midfield, and clinical finishing. France's comeback was inspired by Mbappé's brilliance and a change in tactics. The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both teams showing nerves and resilience. Ultimately, Argentina's greater composure and Martínez's heroics proved decisive.

Conclusion

The Argentina vs. France 2022 World Cup final will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games in football history. Both teams showcased incredible quality and determination, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle. Argentina's victory was a testament to their unity, tactical prowess, and the brilliance of Lionel Messi. France's comeback was a reminder of their resilience and the exceptional talent of Kylian Mbappé. This match will be talked about for generations to come!