Was That the Craziest World Cup in History?
1454
There was plenty of discussion surrounding the 2022 World Cup before the tournament started. Due to the event being staged in Qatar, the World Cup was played in winter for European countries, meaning a break in the major European leagues.
There were other off the pitch issues which caused a lot of controversy that should not be forgotten but in terms of the action on the pitch, did we just witness the craziest World Cup in history?
Beginning with the group stages of the tournament, there were many shock results. Saudi Arabia produced a tremendous performance to beat Argentina 2-1, Australia beat Denmark 1-0, Japan beat both Germany and Spain 2-1, Morocco beat Belgium 2-0, Cameroon beat Brazil 1-0, and South Korea beat Portugal 2-1.
The final round of group matches were some of the most thrilling in the history of the World Cup. At one point in Group E, both Spain and Germany were going to be eliminated and, in the end, the Germans were sent home, paying the price for their defeat to Japan.
Morocco won Group F and Belgium were eliminated while Switzerland beat Serbia 3-2 in the final round of matches in Group G to progress. Moving to Group H and tension was high as Uruguay met Ghana with memories of the 2010 World Cup.
Uruguay won the match 2-0 and thought they were through only for South Korea to score late against Portugal to eliminate the South Americans.
Into the knockout stages and the round of 16 produced a big upset as Morocco progressed at the expense of Spain. The Spanish could not break down the Moroccan defence and the Atlas Lions kept their cool from the penalty spot to win.
The quarter finals saw plenty of drama as Croatia equalised late against Brazil and beat them on penalties. Morocco produced more magic as they defeated Portugal 1-0 and despite an amazing comeback thanks to a 101st minute goal, Netherlands lost via a penalty shootout to Argentina.
Into the semi-finals and France, who beat England in the quarter final, scored early against Morocco and survived a couple of scares to win 2-0. Argentina enjoyed the better of their semi-final against Croatia, winning 3-0 to set up a meeting with the defending champions in the final.
The World Cup final can often be an anti-climax but this World Cup was different. Argentina were excellent in the first half, deservedly going in 2-0 up at the interval. There was little sign France were going to stage a comeback but having scored from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, they equalised just 1 minute later.
Into extra time and Lionel Messi scored his second goal to give Argentina the lead but with 2 minutes left, Kylian Mbappe completed a World Cup final hattrick to take the match to penalties. Argentina goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, was the hero as he saved from Kingsley Coman and used mind games to force Aurelian Tchouameni to miss the target.
Seeing Messi lift the World Cup was iconic and will be one of the sporting images of the 21st Century. For many fans, the 2022 World Cup final cemented Messi’s place as the greatest man to ever play the game. It was a fitting end to a special tournament and the craziest World Cup in history.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
