Unforgettable world cup when it’s over Argentina hit France A penalty shootout in a breathless final that would go down as one of the best in history.
The match in Qatar was fraught with controversy but did produce some standout storylines, moments, goals and players and provided a glorious conclusion.
From the VAR decision, Wout Weghorst’s final goal against Argentina, the disappointment against England and Lionel Messi’s golden last dance, there was drama from day one to the final kick.
Our writers pick their highlights from Qatar…
game player
Lionel Messi lifts Qatar 2022 World Cup winner – in pictures
Dan Kilpatrick: Lionel Messi. Destiny is fulfilled, history is made, legacy is secured, and immortality is guaranteed.
Nizar Kinsella: At 35, Messi adjusted his game and brought us magnificent goals, assists and became champions. He is San Leo.
Simon Collins: The last world champion is none other than Messi. excellent.
Malik Uzia: It was a clean sweep for Messi. Won his second Ballon d’Or and this time he deserved it.
Jude Bellingham grew up in Qatar.
/ Reuters
breakthrough star
Danes: Julian Alvarez, mentioned Jude Bellingham. For everyone else’s sake, let’s hope City don’t do both.
Nick: Based on his performances in Qatar, Bellingham is close to or already the best player in England.
SC: Aziddin Onahy. No one had heard of him a month ago, but he shone in midfield for Morocco.
Mo: Onahee. A player that I’ve never really heard of but who did really well in Morocco.
Josko Gvardiol is a target for many clubs.
/ Reuters
Players who will be on the radar of Premier League clubs
Danes: Sofian Amrabat. Tottenham could be kicking themselves for not signing the Moroccan in January. Very good here, very good for English football.
Nick: Croatian defender Josko Gwadiol has been spotted by Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid as he proves he is one of the best players in the world.
SC: Enzo Fernandez. Only joined Benfica in the summer, but could easily move on again.
Mo: Gravadiol. He already looks ready for the Premier League at the age of 20.
Loading…
Young Moroccan fan proud of his team
biggest surprise
Danes: Morocco. The first African nation to reach the semi-finals made history with spirit and style.
Nick: Morocco’s performance was a huge surprise, but it was won by a great coach and a group of players.
SC: It has to be Morocco. Few thought they would break out of the group, let alone reach the last four.
Mo: It has to be the Moroccan run. That, and how little heat ends up being a factor.
Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years was a fiasco.
/ Reuters
biggest disappointment
Danes: Wales. Worst team outside of Qatar’s historic return, and Gareth Bale barely registered.
Nick: Brazil is arguably the best team in this tournament. Their dismal performance against Croatia killed those dreams.
SC: Germany. What looked like an exciting team under Hansi Flick were eliminated in the group stage.
Mo: Brazil’s exit prevents us from playing Argentina in the semi-finals at the box office.
England head home after exiting World Cup
england verdict
Danes: par. However, the performance against France was encouraging and bodes well for Gareth Southgate’s future.
Nick: It was an incredibly frustrating game for a team capable of winning it. Rightly avoided harsh criticism, but over the next two games it was all or nothing for this generation.
SC: It was always predicted that they would go out in the quarter-finals and they did, but they held their heads high.
Mo: Not the boom or bust tournament I expected. This team is still heading in the right direction.
Lionel Messi celebrates the World Cup trophy.
/ AFP via Getty Images
best match
Danes: finals. A game for all ages on any stage, let alone the biggest.
Nick: finals. You may have to look back decades to find a better match.
SC: Argentina vs France – the greatest world cup final all the time.
Mo: The final, obviously. It is worth mentioning Argentina’s games against Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands.
Wout Weghorst changed the game against Argentina, ultimately to no avail.
/ Getty Images
best target
Danes: Kylian Mbappe’s second goal against Argentina made the game as breathtaking as his skill.
Nick: Neymar against Croatia. It’s a throwback to the Pele era and past samba football.
SC: Wout Weghorst v. Argentina. To take that free kick at that point in the game was crazy.
Mo: The game lacks screamers? Angel Di Maria did a great job in the final.
Infantino: “Today I feel like I’m gay, I feel like I’m disabled, I feel like I’m a migrant worker”
personal highlights
Danes: On the eve of the game, in the room of Gianni Infantino’s crazy “Today I Feel Gay” speech.
Nick: Listen to the enthusiasm of the Moroccan and Argentinian fans. Their football culture is worth cherishing.
SC: Playing in the final in Lusail. Best live game I’ve ever seen. For me it won’t be surpassed.
Mo: First time watching Messi, the best player I’ve ever seen, play physically.