After nearly a month of non-stop action, we’ve finally reached the climax of the 2022 World Cup.
Photo via NBC News
The title decider on Sunday will be between defending champions France and two-time winners Argentina.
Here’s a quick look at how the two contenders booked their place in the final.
Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Argentina stamped their mark as one of the tournament’s favourites with a convincing win over the 2018 finalists.
The victory was not without controversy, with questions raised about the legitimacy of a first half penalty for the Argentines.
But dubious spot-kick aside, La Albiceleste were simply too strong for the Croatians, whose hard work and organisation were not enough to save them this time.
Lionel Messi was once again the star of the show.
His penalty conversion, and a layoff for Julian Alvarez in the second half now makes him the first player (since records began in 1966) to both score and assist in four separate World Cup matches.
More importantly, Messi is now on the verge of lifting the one trophy that has eluded him…which if he wins, would make him arguably the greatest player of all time.
France 2-0 Morocco
It was not easy for the defending champions, who were pushed all the way by the brave and determined Moroccans.
Les Bleus took an early lead through a Theo Hernandez goal in the fifth minute but were unable to kill off the game until substitute Kolo Muani tapped in their second 11 minutes from time.
This was hardly a classic performance from the French, but they held their nerve to see the game through and set up a blockbuster clash against Argentina.
For Morocco, the defeat marks the end of their fairy-tale journey in Qatar, having earlier beaten Spain and Portugal.
But their never-say-die spirit has earned them legions of new fans, who will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Morocco’s fortunes in future tournaments.
Argentina vs France
This is the final that neutrals have been dreaming of.
France are the first team since Brazil in 2002 to reach back-to-back finals.
They are also on course to become the first nation in 60 years to retain the World Cup title.
For Argentina, they’ll be looking to win the trophy they last lifted in 1986, when they were led by the late great Diego Maradona.
Many would consider it fitting if Messi – as Maradona’s so-called successor as Argentine football icon – goes on to emulate his idol and guide his nation to victory.
Catch the World Cup final LIVE on Astro.
