Argentina has won their third World Cup after defeating France in a nailbiting penalty shootout.
La Albiceleste took a 2-0 lead in a dominant first half, but two goals in as many minutes from Kylian Mbappe levelled the score with only 10 minutes to go as the contest went to extra time.
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After a quiet 15 minutes, the clash exploded to life once again in the second half of extra time as Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the game, only for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick with his second spot kick.
But it was Argentina who proved to be the better side in the penalty shootout, as goalkeeper Emi Martinez produced a big save on Kingsley Coman before French midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni fired wide of the left post.
The win completed the fairytale ending for Messi, who came so close to winning football’s ultimate prize in 2014 but finally went that one step further eight years on.
Mbappe lifts France back from the brink | 00:50
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It was a game that had everything across the 120 minutes and penalty shootout, with an outpouring of emotion occurring for players on both sides after the shootout was complete.
BBBC’s commentary team struggled for words to described what they had just witnessed.
England great Allan Shearer said the final was “crazy”
“The duel in the desert. Anything you can do, I can do better. It’s been absolutely relentless… I’d like to say thank you to Messi and Mbappe,” he said.
“It’s crazy, it’s bonkers. For 80 minutes France didn’t have a shot on target and they looked leggy, lethargic and tired… they were going nowhere. Then all of a sudden, one crazy challenge, they get the goal, everyone’s spirits are up and they’re right back in it. What a final.”
Fellow England legend Rio Ferdinand said: “Truly, truly extraordinary. It looked like Messi had pulled his team back from the brink but then Mbappe scored his second penalty to score his hat-trick…
“This type of game you want to see the best players go at it head-to-head. [Messi and Mbappe] have just gone toe to toe and delivered on a level we’ve never seen before. This is the best final anyone could have ever wished for.”
Gary Lineker, meanwhile lauded the pefect final.
“After a wait of 36 years when the late, great Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup trophy Argentina have won it again. Like the team of 1986 they have done it with the help of a diminutive, left-footed genius… What a game of football.”
Football fans across the world, meanwhile were all saying the same thing after the contest, as we now wait another three-and-a-half years before similar drama can take place.
