The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has been a tournament of many firsts. Middle East's first World Cup tournament stood up to its expectations and delivered some of the best moments in World Cup history.
With numerous records broken along the way, the tournament witnessed some magical performances from the footballing greats and upcoming talents in the sport.
Here are some of the best moments of the FIFA World Cup 2022 -
- Argentina downed by an unexpected foe:
Entering the tournament as the favourites to lift the title, Argentina were shocked by a spirited Saudi Arabia side in their opening Group C encounter, falling to a 2-1 defeat which also ended Argentina's 36-game unbeaten streak.
Despite Messi opening the scoring for the Albiceleste, 2 quickfire goals by The Falcons gave us the first upset of the tournament.
- Japan's inspiring performance against World Cup heavyweights
Germany were hoping to make it past the group stages after the disappointment of 2018, but the Blue Samurai proved to be a different and lethal challenge to Die Mannschaft which saw them beat the 2014 Champions 2-1 at the end. Substitutes Doan and Asano scored two 2nd half goals to shock the Germans in their Group E opening encounter.
The Germans could never recover after the defeat and were knocked out of the group stages for the 2nd time in a row.
The Blue Samurai then also went on to register another upset in the World Cup by beating 2010 champions Spain 2-1 in their last group game encounter.
- Tunisia defeating the Defending champions
With France already through to the knockout stages after back-to-back wins in their opening 2 encounters, Didier Deschamps made 9 changes against Tunisia in the 3rd match.
Turns out, underestimating the Carthage Eagles was a big mistake as the Tunisians went on to beat Les Bleus 1-0 courtesy of a Wahbi Khazri goal. This was Tunisia's first victory over France in the World Cup in over 50 years.
- Morocco - The Dark horses of the World Cup
Starting their 2022 World Cup campaign in Group F alongside 2018 runners-up Croatia and Belgium, the Atlas Lions were not expected to make it through to the next round. However, Walid Regragui's men set the tone for their tournament when they remained unbeaten in the group stage and produced an upset by beating the golden generation of Belgium 2-0 in their 2nd game. The Atlas Lions eventually finished top of the table, having not conceded a goal from an opposition player in the group.
Qualifying for the next round as table toppers, the fairytale run didn't end early as there was more to this Moroccan side than anybody had ever imagined. The Round of 16 showed the resilient side of the Atlas Lions who managed to take heavyweights Spain to penalties and eventually emerged as 3-0 winners in the end.
The surprising momentum saw them get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 1-0 in the quarters as well to become the first-ever African nation to play in the World Cup semis
However, every good thing comes to an end as the fairytale run ended in the last 4 courtesy of a 2-0 defeat to defending champions France.
- A finale full of twists and turns
After 63 exciting and eventful games, the final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and the defending champions France lived up to everyone's expectation. It was a Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe affair which saw La Pulga scoring a brace while the 23-year-old became the first player ever to score a hattrick in the World Cup final.
With the score on 3-3 after an exhilerating 120 minutes of football, it was Argentina who won the penalty shootout 4-2 courtesy of an Emiliano Martinez save which helped in fulfilling Messi's lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup.
This World Cup had something special to it, and saw many legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Luka Modric bid farewell to the quadrennial tournament as well which made it even more memorable for fans all over the world.
Also Read: World Cup hero Lionel Messi 'not to retire' after Argentina clinch 3rd FIFA World Cup
