Argentina 3-3 (4-2 Penalties) France

That moment has arrived that an entire country was waiting for 36 years ago. A month ago it was just a wish, a dream. But little by little, it began to become reality. THE ARGENTINE SELECTION IS WORLD CHAMPION. The Albiceleste is at the top of world football. Hand in hand with Lionel Scaloni as coach, Lionel Messi as its great figure and captain, and with a team that invaded us with football and dedication until the end. After drawing 3-3 at the Lusail Stadium, they defeated France on penalties in the final and won the most coveted cup on the planet.

 

The match

The first chance was at the feet of Alexis Mac Allister, with a mid-distance shot that was well controlled by the goalkeeper. Argentina continued to control the party's strings. A collective move ended with a shot by Rodrigo de Paul who was looking for a rival goal, but was deflected by a defender.

 

France always waited in its own camp. La Albiceleste continued to control the rhythm of the game and, after the first 20 minutes, Dembelé committed an offense inside the area against Di María and Lionel Messi changed the penalty for a goal to break zero.

The second blow came with a lethal counter. Argentina came out with a quick transition to pure touch: from Molina to Messi, Leo opened to the right for Álvarez, Julián did the same for Mac Allister and it was Alexis who assisted Di María, who did not hesitate and defined before the goalkeeper left for the 2-0.

The second part began with the same trend as the first. Scaloni's team continued to manage possession of the ball, looking for spaces with a touch and breaking lines with the precision of their playmakers. De Paul was the one who had the first approximation of the complement, with a volley well controlled by Lloris.

Julián Álvarez also had his own: he received near the area and shot against the goalkeeper's right post, which he controlled in two stages.

At 70 minutes into the game, France had their first approach with an individual play by Mbappé, which culminated in a shot that missed over the crossbar.

 

With just over 10 minutes to go, Kolo Muani got into the area, Nicolás Otamendi took him by the shoulder and Mbappé correctly executed the penalty marked by the referee: Emiliano Martínez came to touch the ball, but could not prevent it from it gets against his right stick.

 

The European team was going to hit again. Once again it was Kylian Mbappé who managed to beat the Argentine goalkeeper and, with an accurate volley shot, made it 2-2.

 

The emotion lasted until the last moment of regulation time. Lloris shone with a phenomenal save against a mid-range shot from Leo Messi and thus forced the game to go into extra time.

 

The first part of the extra time was very even. Both teams tried to find air and strength after a round trip game. Lautaro Martínez had two dangerous chances in front of the goal, but the last French line drowned out his goal cry.

 

Argentina never gave up. He fought until the end with football and courage. And, after a rebound from Lloris after a shot from Lautaro Martínez, it was Messi who pushed her under the arc to make things 3-2. However, the story incredibly did not end. After a shot on the edge of the area, the ball hit Montiel's arm and the referee awarded the third penalty of the final: Mbappé put things back to the beginning to take the title to the penalty shootout. But before, Dibu Martínez had an anthology save to bring the team to life.

 

Argentina 3 (4) - France 3 (2)

This is how history should have been defined from the twelve steps: Mbappé himself was the one who opened the penalty shootout, a shot that the Argentine goalkeeper could not contain at all.

Lionel Messi equalized the score and, in the next execution, Dibu Martínez became a hero again after saving France's second penalty: history put itself to the advantage for Argentina, once again. 

Paulo Dybala was in charge of keeping the score in favor of the Albiceleste with a shot in the middle and then Tchouaméni finished off the goal. With the goal from Leandro Paredes, Argentina sealed their difference by two goals. 

If the Frenchman Kolo Muani missed his penalty, Argentina was champion. But when converting, it was Gonzalo Montiel who had the sacred and definitive cry, which would materialize in the third world star. 

 

Summary of the party

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister; Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi. DT: Lionel Scaloni.

France: Hugo Lloris; Jules Koundé, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernández; Aurelien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot; Kolo Muani, Antoine Griezmann and Thuram; Kylian Mbappé. DT: Didier Deschamps.

Goals in the first half: 23m. Messi (A), from a penalty kick, and 36m. Say Maria (A).

Goal in the second half: 35m. Mbappé (F), from a penalty kick, and 36m. Mbappe (F).

Goals in the second extra time: 4m. Messi (A) and 12m. Mbappé (F), from a penalty kick.

Definition by penalties: Mbappé and Kolo Muani converted for France.

Messi, Dybala, Paredes and Montiel scored for Argentina. "Dibu" Martínez blocked the shot from Coman (F) and Tchouanémi (F) deflected his shot.

Changes in the first half: 40m. Marcus Thuram for Dembelé and Randal Kolo Muani for Giroud (F). In the second half: 19m. Marcos Acuna for Di Maria (A); 26m. Kingsley Coman for Griezmann and Eduardo Camavinga for Hernández (F). In the first extra time, at the beginning, Gonzalo Montiel for Molina (A); 5m. Youssouf Fofana for Rabiot (F); 12m. Leandro Paredes for De Paul and Lautaro Martínez for Álvarez (A). In the second half: 7m. Ibrahima Konate by Varane (F) and 10m. Germán Pezzella by Mac Allister (A) and 15m. Dybala for Tagliafico (A) and Axel Disasi for Koundé (F).

Admonished: Enzo Fernández, Acuña, Paredes, Montiel and "Dibu" Martínez (A). Rabiot, Thuram and Giroud (F)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland), accompanied by his compatriots Pawel Sokolnicki (first assistant), Tomasz Listkiewicz (second) and Tomasz Kwiatkowski (VAR).

Stadium: Lusail.

Audience: 88,966 viewers.

 

Passes, possession and goals

The Argentine team totaled 3,804 passes, achieved a possession average of 73.5 percent with an accuracy of 59% in the seven games that led them to their third World Cup after the 1978 and 1986 titles.

The numbers demonstrated the offensive vocation of the team led by Lionel Scaloni that had Lionel Messi as its scorer with 7 goals in six of the seven challenges he had on his way to the title.

The Rosario was the one who scored the most on the net and the breakdown is as follows:

Saudi Arabia (1), Mexico (1), Australia (1), Netherlands (1); Croatia (1) and France (2).

In the seven games the albiceleste team finished off the rival goal on 132 occasions and generated 48 goal situations in the rival areas.

In the Qatar 2022 champion team, 23 of the 26 players that made up the World Cup squad participated.

 

presidential salute

President Alberto Fernández greeted the Argentine team: "Thanks to the players and technical team. They are the example that we should not give up. That we have a great people and a great future," Fernández wrote on his Twitter account, adding : "Always together, always united. We are world champions. There are no other words. Thank you."

 

MATCH REFEREES:

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Assistant 1: Pawel Sokolnicki (Poland)

Assistant 2: Tomasz Listkiewicz (Poland)

Fourth official: Ismail Elfath (United States)

Fifth official: Kathryn Nesbitt (United States)

VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski ( Poland)

AVAR: Juan Soto (Ecuador)

OVAR: Kyle Atkins (United States)

SVAR: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)

SBAVAR: Corey Parker (United States)

SBVAR: B. Dankert (Germany)

Argentina: 2022 FIFA World Cup Winners

 

My name is Jean Gunnhildr. I am the Acting Grandmaster for the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt. And just recently, I met with Lisa over an upcoming contest in football. Lisa told me that this team comes from a nation with my name on it. ArJEANtina, was the name. I know that was not the exact spelling, but it was a cute pun, I had to admit. And there was a talisman trying to finally win this World Cup. A man named Lionel, or Leo for short.

As my sign is a lion, no surprise that this resonated with me. As I decided to pen a letter of support to the team and Leo ahead of the match with France, who was supported by Venti (this place is said to have the finest wines in the waking world, therefore it resonated with the bard), I suddenly felt the struggles of a long life of service to sports and people. An adventure of a lifetime, soon to meet a conclusion. But there was a catch. To ensure that the long and arduous search for this holy grail ended the way it was to end, it needed my clearance. 

A straightforward assignment. I penned my words wisely.

===

18 December 2022

Lionel Andres Messi Cuccutini.

As your nation has my name on it (though I actually jest), turning back was never an option. So, do you still dare to dream, hero? My hope is that your dream ends and is transformed into a reality that you will find peace with. Let the wind lead. Good luck.

Signed,

Jean Gunnhildr

Acting Grandmaster, Knight of Favonius

ArJEANtina supporter from Mondstadt, Teyvat

===

Thus was the message sent. I was called to watch in the square with others of the contest. "Well, Master Jean, I am fine with whatever the outcome will be," said Venti. "I figured my team had done all it could do anyway, but you never know in a sport like this..."

"I am just glad that there is a place in the Traveler's world where my name seems to be embedded in its culture," I replied.

"Do they have good steak?" asked Amber with an expectant look.

"Well, Amber, the place is known for having raw meat that would rival our own in terms of marbling and flavor, according to my own collected intel," Kaeya said. "And Lisa's."

"Can confirm, Cavalry Captain," Lisa said. "But every victory must be earned, no matter what. As always. Let's have a seat and see how this goes."

"What's going on?" asked Paimon, accompanying Lumine.

Lumine noticed the big screen. "Soccer. It's that game." She checked her device and saw a message from many years ago, which said:

"December 18, 2022. 34 year old Leo Messi will win the World Cup and become the greatest player of all times. Check back with me in 7 years."

"Oh, it seems someone knew what would happen," Paimon said. "This person must know something we don't. And the stats on this post are exponentially increasing. Could it be...?"

23rd minute, a penalty conversion by Leo. And 13 minutes later, a man named Angel with a second. One half passed. 2-0 ArJEANtina. I had to laugh when I pronounced the country name with my name in it. It sounded so cute, yet so unhinged. But the real name, said to be Argentina, evoked many centuries of history, a mixture of cultures and heritages.

Time stood still as it passed, the closing half. It was my very first time watching a football match. But things started to turn on their heads. French Venti (he isn't French, though) was back in it thanks to a cheeky young man named Kylian. A penalty in the 80th and a follow-up in the 82nd. All square at two goals apiece. "Oh Venessa, is this real life? Or is this Fantasy?" I whispered, falling to my knees.

"Ohohoh, Jean, it seems the tables have turned...hic..." said Venti, gliding around in a carefree mood. "Ladies and gentlemen, I declare we have a grandstand finish to settle this once and for all."

"Mm-hmmm," said the others, simply nodding before going back to their seats to watch. The match would go to an additional two extra periods of 15 minutes, according to the game's laws.

"Lisa?" I asked her.

"Yes, Jean, what is it?"

"In all my years of going through stressful periods in my life, I have to admit, nothing ever prepared me for this."

"Well, that can only give me one conclusion?"

"What?"

She leaned in and whispered, "You're really, really enjoying this match." 

I could only blush. She was right. Every pass, every duel, every challenge. every intent and emotion was felt in what some aficionados called "The Showdown Of The Century." Venti's team made some impressive clearances late in the first period, causing my head to be in my hands. My team was knocking on the door but I didn't like their wastefulness. A second period of extra time loomed.

In the distance, some fans were vocally discussing the game, some to the point of shouting things I won't say in this anecdote since they were really devout in their verdicts. I offered a prayer Venessa and to Varka, to ask my team to see this through and get the winner, because according to the laws, the match goes to a sudden death series of kicks from the penalty spot. Lisa debriefed me on the full laws in a massive tome that I chose to keep in my personal library for safe keeping.

As the period went on, I thought about a lot of things. Why was I working so hard? Why was I not taking breaks? Why was I being hard on Klee? I thought so many things...and some. In the 108th minute, Lionel scored on a follow-through that was verified onside via video assistant refereeing, a technology that perhaps the sages of the Akademiya could never have come up with.

All of a sudden, I jumped in the air, and screamed, "Hang in there ArJEANtina, I'm with you all the way! I'm with you! I'm with you! I'M WITH YOU!" And I fell to my knees, in my Sea Breeze Dandelion outfit, and prayed one more time, the tears falling out of my eyes. "Please let this work, please let this work..." 

"Uh, is Jean okay?" asked Paimon, looking over her shoulder.

"Ahahahahah, I think...she got carried away here," Venti said.

"Do something about it, will you!?"

Venti pointed to the screen. "Penalty for my guys." 118 minutes in. Kylian made it 3-3, and all of a sudden, I was glowing and I was full of rage and...and...I had no idea what was going on because I was feeling a million emotions. 

"Uh, Master Jean, you don't look so well..." Klee said. "Do you need a hug?" 

"So close to completing the comeback for Kylian, he's good," Venti said, rubbing his hands.

Paimon went postal. "You stupid tone-deaf bard, take a look at what's going on with Jean right now, she's in some emotional danger!"

"Ah, no worries, she will be just...fine?" I was towering over him as the penalty shootout started. I was not even bothering to pay attention to the series. I was very fed up with Venti in so many ways, and I didn't know why. But before I could lay a hand on him, I collapsed in a heap.

"Oh no, Jean is...Jean is..." Paimon was in a panic.

"Sucrose, prepare some medication, everyone I will bring her back to her chambers," said a familiar voice. 

"Diluc saves the day again," said Lumine.

"No surprise," Venti said.

Time passed. Time stood still. I opened my eyes. "What...happened?"

Diluc looked at me. "ArJEANtina did not miss a single penalty. They won.4-2."

And I had the biggest smile on my face as the tears came down.

"Master Jean!" exclaimed Klee. "Are you okay?"

"I am," I said, headpatting Klee before giving her the warmest hug I could ever give her as I looked into the distance. "I truly am. And I have never felt so happy in my life. I love you, Klee, Diluc, everyone."

"I love you too, Master Jean," she said, giggling.

"Well, all's well that ends well," Venti said. "I shall take my defeat moving forward. We made you work for it, so that will count as a win for me!" He walked into the distance and disappeared.

I think I have made a historic discovery. Argentina, or rather, ArJEANtina, will be my team in the Traveler's world from now on. 

Signed,

Jean.

Argentina: 2021 Copa America Champions

Lionel Messi's Argentina achieved its first title after 28 years against Brazil and did so at Maracana, the temple of South American football, by beating it 1-0 in the final of the CONMEBOL Copa América.

So round was the night for Messi that the Albiceleste were crowned at the Maracana, in the best possible place for the host's archrival.

Angel Di María, author of a goal at minute 22, along with a tireless warrior like Rodrigo De Paul, were the heroes of the Rio night, which left Argentina in the lead of the historic record with 15 CONMEBOL Copa América titles together with Uruguay , while Brazil was in 9 coronations.

"We dream so much about this day. Today it broke (the bad streak) and it came in. We had to win it (the Cup) here and it happened like that," said 'Fideo' Di María, one of the Albiceleste's historic players.

When the Uruguayan referee Esteban Ostojich whistled the end of the match and Messi dropped to his knees in the Maracana, thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Buenos Aires and Rosario, the hometown of the 'Pulga', by Di Maria and Giovanni Lo Celso.

-Numbers left by the party-

Argentina won its first title on Brazilian soil. In addition, he returned to win a title after 28 years of drought. Brazil, meanwhile, lost their first final after five consecutive victories.

Tite lost his first home game as coach of Brazil after 25 games (21W 3E 1D).

It is the first CONMEBOL Copa América played in Brazil that the local team has not won the title (it had won the previous five).

Argentina beat Brazil for CONMEBOL Copa América on Brazilian soil for the first time in its history: they had not won in the seven previous matches (1E 6D).

Argentina snapped a losing streak of six consecutive finals in senior tournaments (Copa América 2004, 2007, 2015, 2016; Confederations Cup 2005 and World Cup 2014).

Argentina equals Uruguay as the top winner of the CONMEBOL Copa América: it added its 15th title, stretching the lead to six with Brazil.

It is the fourth time in 13 games that Argentina has managed to win at the Maracana visiting Brazil (4V 2E 7D). The previous triumph had been in a friendly played in 1998.

Argentina's victory ended Brazil's 26-match undefeated playing CONMEBOL Copa América at home (17V 9E). It is Brazil's third defeat at home in the competition: against Paraguay (1-2, in 1949) and against Peru (1-3, in 1975).

Lionel Scaloni reached 20 games undefeated as Argentina's coach (12V 8E). It is the second longest record without falls of a DT of the Argentine team.

Messi closes his participation in the CONMEBOL Copa América as the top assist (5 assists) and top scorer (along with Luis Díaz from Colombia) with four goals. In addition, he has 13 goals in the history of the tournament and is four behind Zizinho and Norberto Méndez, the top all-time scorers in the competition.

Lionel Messi won his first title with Argentina after four consecutive lost finals (2007, 2014, 2015, 2016).