World Cup Final 2022: Confirmed Starting XIs

by Alex Braham 45 views

The World Cup Final 2022 was an epic showdown, and everyone was eager to see who would be in the starting XI for both Argentina and France. Getting the starting lineup right is crucial for any team hoping to lift the trophy, as it sets the tone for the entire match. This article dives deep into the confirmed starting XIs for both squads, analyzing the key players and tactical decisions that shaped this unforgettable final. So, let’s get into the details and see who made the cut for this historic match.

Argentina's Starting XI

Argentina's starting XI for the World Cup Final 2022 was a blend of experience and youthful energy, carefully selected to counter France's strengths. Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, had a clear vision of how to approach the game, and his lineup reflected that. Here’s a breakdown of the players who started:

  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano MartĂ­nez
  • Defenders: NicolĂĄs Tagliafico, NicolĂĄs Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina
  • Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo FernĂĄndez, Rodrigo De Paul
  • Forwards: Lionel Messi, JuliĂĄn Álvarez, Ángel Di MarĂ­a

Key Players and Tactical Approach

Emiliano Martínez, or "Dibu" as he’s affectionately known, was Argentina's rock in goal. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box were vital throughout the tournament. The defensive line, featuring Nicolás Tagliafico, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina, provided a solid shield, with Romero's aggressive defending and Otamendi's experience being particularly crucial.

In midfield, the trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo FernĂĄndez, and Rodrigo De Paul brought a mix of creativity, energy, and tactical discipline. FernĂĄndez, the young Benfica star, was a revelation, dictating the tempo and providing crucial passes. De Paul's tireless running and Mac Allister's intelligent positioning added further balance.

Upfront, the legendary Lionel Messi led the attack alongside Julián Álvarez and Ángel Di María. Messi, of course, was the focal point, his dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring threat needing no introduction. Álvarez’s relentless pressing and Di María’s creativity and experience on the wing provided additional attacking impetus. The inclusion of Di María in the starting XI was a significant decision, aimed at exploiting the space behind the French defense and adding another dimension to Argentina's attack.

Scaloni’s tactical approach was clear: control the midfield, stay solid defensively, and unleash Messi and the attacking players whenever possible. The aim was to suffocate France’s creative players and capitalize on any defensive lapses. This well-structured and balanced lineup proved to be a formidable challenge for the French.

France's Starting XI

France, the defending champions, also fielded a strong starting XI for the World Cup Final 2022, packed with talent and experience. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, aimed to use his team's pace and power to overcome Argentina. Here’s the lineup France started with:

  • Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
  • Defenders: Theo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, RaphaĂ«l Varane, Jules KoundĂ©
  • Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni, Antoine Griezmann
  • Forwards: Kylian MbappĂ©, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©

Key Players and Tactical Approach

Hugo Lloris, the experienced captain, was in goal, providing leadership and stability. The defensive quartet of Theo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, RaphaĂ«l Varane, and Jules KoundĂ© aimed to contain Argentina's potent attack. Varane’s experience and Upamecano's physicality were vital in dealing with Messi and Álvarez. Hernandez and KoundĂ© provided width and support on the flanks.

The midfield trio of Adrien Rabiot, AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni, and Antoine Griezmann was tasked with controlling the game and providing a link between defense and attack. TchouamĂ©ni’s defensive capabilities and Rabiot’s energy were crucial, while Griezmann played a more advanced role, using his vision and creativity to unlock Argentina's defense.

In attack, Kylian MbappĂ© led the line alongside Olivier Giroud and Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. MbappĂ©'s blistering pace and clinical finishing were France’s main weapon, while Giroud’s physicality and aerial ability provided a different dimension. DembĂ©lé’s dribbling and crossing ability on the right wing added further threat.

Deschamps' tactical approach focused on using the pace of Mbappé and the creativity of Griezmann to exploit any weaknesses in Argentina's defense. The aim was to stretch the game, create space, and hit Argentina on the counter-attack. However, the French found it difficult to impose their game plan in the face of Argentina's organized and determined approach.

Tactical Battles and Key Matchups

The World Cup Final 2022 was a tactical chess match, with both teams trying to gain the upper hand. One of the key battles was in midfield, where Argentina’s Enzo FernĂĄndez and Rodrigo De Paul tried to nullify France’s Antoine Griezmann and AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni. The Argentine duo’s energy and tactical discipline helped to disrupt France's rhythm and prevent Griezmann from dictating the play.

Another crucial matchup was between Argentina’s defense and France’s attack, particularly Cristian Romero against Kylian MbappĂ©. Romero’s aggressive defending and Mbappé’s pace made for a fascinating contest. Similarly, RaphaĂ«l Varane and Dayot Upamecano had the unenviable task of containing Lionel Messi, trying to limit his space and prevent him from creating chances.

The flanks were also important areas of focus. Ángel Di María caused problems for France with his runs and crosses, while Ousmane Dembélé tried to exploit the space on the right wing for France. The full-backs, Nicolås Tagliafico and Nahuel Molina for Argentina, and Theo Hernandez and Jules Koundé for France, had vital roles in both defense and attack.

Game Analysis and Outcome

The World Cup Final 2022 was a game of fluctuating fortunes, with both teams having periods of dominance. Argentina started strongly, controlling the game and creating several chances. Their midfield was well-organized, and their attack looked dangerous, with Messi, Di María, and Álvarez combining effectively.

France, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Their midfield was unable to exert control, and their attack was largely ineffective, with Mbappé and Giroud failing to make an impact. However, France came back strongly in the second half, with Mbappé scoring two quick goals to level the score and force extra time.

In extra time, both teams continued to battle, with Messi scoring again for Argentina and Mbappé completing his hat-trick to level the score once more. Ultimately, the game went to penalties, where Argentina prevailed, with Emiliano Martínez making a crucial save to deny France.

The final result reflected the intense nature of the match, with both teams giving their all. Argentina's starting XI, with its blend of experience and youthful energy, proved to be the right combination, while France's lineup, though talented, struggled to impose their game plan consistently.

Conclusion

The World Cup Final 2022 was a classic encounter, filled with drama, excitement, and tactical intrigue. The starting XIs for both Argentina and France were carefully selected, with each team aiming to exploit their strengths and nullify their opponents. In the end, Argentina's balanced lineup and determined performance saw them lift the trophy, marking a memorable end to an unforgettable tournament. The confirmed starting XIs set the stage for a captivating match, and the players delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. So, there you have it, guys – a detailed look at the starting lineups that battled it out in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever!