Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterFew matches have matched the drama and drama of the 2022 World Cup final. What made this clash between Argentina and France more than just a game was the intense tactical battle behind the scenes — a chess match that flipped the script and crowned a world champion.
How Argentina Took Command Early On
Heading into the final, Argentina arrived with a 36-match unbeaten streak, bolstered by recent titles like the 2021 Copa America and a commanding victory over Italy in the Finalissima. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, their confidence was palpable. On the other side, France faced injury setbacks to key players like Kanté, Benzema, and Maignan, leaving them with a patchwork squad. Early signs looked grim when Lucas Hernández suffered an ACL injury in the opening minutes against Australia.
In the final, Argentina dominated possession right from the start. Their build-up was patient, centred on a back two that invited pressure but controlled the flow expertly. Full-backs pushed high, the center-backs spread wide, and midfield maestro Enzo Fernández dictated tempo by dropping deep. France’s defensive shape looked solid on paper as a 4-5-1, but in practice, it shifted into fragile formations, often a 4-4-2 or even a loose 4-3-3, with players like Mbappé conserving energy and rarely tracking back.
France’s Vulnerability and Argentina’s Exploits
France’s reluctance to press and their unconventional midfield setup exposed them to a tactical assault. Mbappé’s saved energy strategy—accepting limited defensive duty—meant the left side of their defence was stretched, as Hernández struggled to contain Molina’s marauding runs. This was compounded by Argentina’s fluid movement, with De Paul often drifting into advanced positions to overload France’s left flank. Lionel Messi’s high positioning functioned like a second striker, pulling defenders out while Di María exploited wide spaces against a pinned-back Koundé.
The pressure culminated in a critical moment in the 21st minute. Argentina’s setup created space for Di María, who danced past defenders to earn a penalty, converting to put Argentina ahead and tilt the final firmly in their favour. Meanwhile, France’s midfield was fracturing under Argentina’s relentless pressure and clever positional play.
Deschamps’ Bold Tactical Shake-Up at Half-Time
By the 41st minute, it was clear Deschamps’ pragmatic game plan was faltering. The conventional defensive posture left France exposed and passive. In a rare and dramatic decision, he pulled off Dembélé and Giroud for Marcus Thuram and Kolo Muani. This gamble abandoned the conservative approach and shifted France’s shape to empower a real left winger and a more balanced attack. Crucially, Mbappé moved to a central forward position, freeing him from defensive duties and allowing Thuram to cover defensively on the left.
This change immediately stemmed the flow of Argentina’s attacks on France’s left side while granting Mbappé freedom to wreak havoc. Argentina, with a two-goal lead, sat deeper, inviting France to dictate possession for the first time. France’s abandonment of the target-man game in favour of fluidity sustained their threat, even as Argentina dug in.
Mbappé’s Heroics and the Chaotic Climax
With just 19 minutes left, France began to take control. A switch to a 4-2-4 formation with Coman and Camavinga coming on refreshed the team and added attacking pressure down the wings. Mbappé, freed from strict positional constraints, drifted inside frequently, creating shooting opportunities and linking with his pacey partners. This tactical freedom paid dividends as Mbappé scored a penalty to open the scoring spree that quickly turned the game on its head.
Mbappé’s hat-trick — the first ever in a World Cup final since 1966 — pulled France level in the blink of an eye. France pushed for more but Argentina held firm, responding with near-misses and a heart-stopping final defensive stand that sent the game into a tense penalty shootout.
The Penalty Shootout and What It Meant
In the shootout, both managers’ meticulous preparation gave way to raw nerve. Mbappé struck first, with Messi calmly answering for Argentina. Despite Coman’s miss, Argentina scored their penalties as well as they defended, with the Villa goalkeeper unsettling French takers with mind games. Ultimately, Montiel’s late winning spot-kick sealed Argentina’s triumph and Messi’s coronation as world champion, a fitting climax to a storied 20-year career chasing football’s ultimate prize.
The final was a masterclass in tactical adaptation and resilience. Deschamps’ initial cautious approach almost cost France dearly, but his mid-game gamble gave them life. Scaloni’s bold attacking setup birthed a thrilling spectacle that had everything – possession battles, dramatic momentum swings, individual brilliance, and high stakes psychological warfare.
In the end, this was a match for the ages — a tactical and emotional rollercoaster that rewrote World Cup history and gave Messi the dream finale. For those who crave the beautiful game’s cerebral side as much as its flash, this final will be analysed and revered for decades to come.
