Argentina’s road to the FIFA World Cup 2022 final

The South American nation have played exceptionally in the Qatar tournament

A 3-0 revenge victory against Croatia kept Argentina and captain Lionel Messi’s dream of the World Cup alive. With a dominating win over Croatia, Argentina have made a bold statement before their all important final clash against defending champions France on Sunday evening in Qatar. France after winning their game against Morocco by 2-0 has booked their place in the final. Argentina will be playing their 2nd World Cup final in last 3 editions. Argentina has last played in World Cup 2014 final against Germany. In 2014 they failed to get the glory.

From a World Cup in Qatar to Lionel Messi’s World Cup fans have witnessed much entertainment in this edition. After their opening game loss against Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Captain Messi has been brilliant with their game in the tournament. After a penalty score against Croatia Messi has equaled Mbappe as the top goal scorer in the tournament. Both these players have scored 5 goals in the tournament, other than the championship these two will also fight for their personal glory. Argentina in this edition had faced initial tremors yet they managed themselves better after Saudi Arab setback. Since then they have been brilliant and dominating. Lets have a look at their campaign till World Cup final.

Group Stage

L, 1-2 vs Saudi Arab

Nobody expected this result even at the 90th minute of this game, despite Saudi Arab leading 2-1 since 53rd minute. This came as a shock to Argentina which made Messi’s men wake up before needed. Though, after this shocking result & initial mishaps Argentina’s chances again started looking grim. Dismal defense performance made them work hard and bounce back nicely in the tournament. For Argentina Messi scored one goal as penalty & for Saudi Arab Al-Shehri scored in 48th minute as equaliser. Al- Dawsari in 53rd minute gave a winning stroke to Saudi Arab.

W, 2-0 vs Mexico

After their shocking defeat against Mexico, Captain Lionel Messi took charge against Mexico defense and the Great Mexican Wall in Football, Guillermo Ochoa. Messi kept his game up and broke the Ochoan wall in 64th minute of the game to send Argentinean fans some relief. Messi’s game made sure that his teammates also forget about the Saudi Arab setback. Enzo Fernandez in last few minutes scored another goal to hand Mexicans a 0-2 defeat. This made Argentina believe in themselves again.

W, 2-0 vs Poland

This game was the most important one Argentina played before Knockout rounds. Defeat against Saudi Arab made Argentina’s group more interesting. To qualify for Pre Quarter Final, Argentina’s victory against Poland was important. Two youngsters Mac Allister and Jullian Alvarez stood up for the occasion and made sure Argentina wins their al important game. Lewandowskie could not become a big factor for Poland. This win also made sure Argentina set up their clash in Pre Quarter Final against Australia, and not against France.

Round 0f 16

W, 2-1 vs Australia

When Knockout arrived, Argentina with two back to back wins became more threatening. Captain Lionel Messi stood up for this occasion again put Australia back in the defense in first half. Australia after initial strike in the nets from Messi went back and this made Argentina take a good advantage with scoring another brace in the first 10 minutes of Second half. Argentina won the game against Australia 2-1. Lionel Messi and Jullian Alvarez lead Argentina to their hat-trick win in FIFA World Cup 2022.

Quarter-final

W, 3-4 in Penalty Shootout (2-2) vs Netherlands

Just When Argentina were relaxing a bit in extra time against Netherlands, Orange striker Wout Weghorst brought some tension back in Argentina dugout. His goal in (90+11th)  extra time made the score 2-2 when Argentina were cruising for a 2-1 win.  Game went to penalty shootout after no goals were in Extra Time. Netherlands were unlucky to miss out on few strikes, while Argentina made the opportunity count and booked their place in Semi final against Croata]ia.

Semi FInal

W, 3-0 vs Croatia

­­Last edition runner up Croatia was not at their very best in this FIFA World Cup edition. In 2018 Croatia defeated Argentina by 3-0 in Group Round. Now with 3-0 win over Croatia, Argentina has taken a revenge of 2018 loss. Once again mix of experience and youth became a key factor in Argentina’s win over Croatia in Semi final and booked first place in World Cup Final scheduled on Sunday evening at Lusail Stadium.

Now Argentina face France in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022.