world cup trophy presentation video

Why Lionel Messi wore a black robe during World Cup trophy presentation and why some fans were upset

• Lionel Messi was given a black robe to wear just before lifting the World Cup trophy for the first time.
• The robe is a traditional Qatari bischt and was given to Messi by the Emir of Qatar.
• Some fans thought it took away from the historical moment in Messi's career.

Lionel Messi put another exclamation point on his career by winning the World Cup, but before he could lift the trophy for the first time, he also had to put on a robe.

On Sunday, Argentina defeated France in a wild World Cup final . While it was a time to celebrate for the people of Argentina and fans of soccer and Lionel Messi , some thought an unusual moment after the match took a little bit away from the celebration.

Just before Messi lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time in his magical career, he was given a black robe to wear, creating an unusual scene at a World Cup.

The robe was a traditional Qatari "bischt" and was given to Messi just before the trophy presentation by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. 

According to The Indian Express , the robe is made of camel hair and goat wool and is traditionally worn by members of the royal family, and for special occasions and celebrations.

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While the move seemed like a nice gesture for arguably the greatest footballer ever and a fitting end to the controversial Qatar World Cup, others were not happy with the timing of the move. 

Winning the World Cup was the only thing missing from Messi's extraordinary career, and the moment he lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time will likely go down as the most iconic moment of his career. And yet, when he did raise it, his signature blue and white Argentina jersey was hidden.

—Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) December 18, 2022

The head of the tournament's organizing committee explained the move to the BBC.

"It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations," Hassan Al Thawadi told BBC Sport. "This was a celebration of Messi."

However, he also seemingly admitted that the robe was not just about honoring Messi.

"The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture," Al Thawadi said. "This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration. People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together."

The Emir of Qatar echoed this sentiment on Twitter .

"We have fulfilled our promise to organize an exceptional championship from the Arab countries," Sheikh Tamim wrote, translated by the BBC. "It provided an opportunity for the peoples of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values."

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Pat Cummins caught up in 'awkward' trophy presentation scenes after World Cup final

The australian captain was left to awkwardly stand alone during the world cup celebrations..

Pat Cummins was caught up in one of the most awkward trophy presentations after he was left to stand alone holding the Cricket World Cup trophy on an empty stage. Australia pulled off one of the all-time sporting upsets, defeating India by six wickets in their home World Cup to be crowned world champions.

The host nation had won the previous three editions of the World Cup and it seemed India was destined to make it four straight after making an undefeated run to the final but it wasn't to be. The victory was Australia's sixth men's ODI World Cup triumph and extended India's international trophy drought, which has seen them without an international ICC trophy since 2011.

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The Australian side waited off the stage to receive their medals as Cummins was presented the trophy by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. He was then left to stand by himself on the stage for around 30 seconds awkwardly looking around.

Cummins stood waiting while the remaining few fireworks went off as the politicians shook hands with the rest of the Australian team off the stage. To make matters worse the 130,000 seat stadium was near empty as Indian fans had already left to start their journey home.

BBC's Matthew Henry said" "It’s a sorry scene now from an Indian perspective, some have stayed for the presentation. Most have not.” Social media users were also quick to call out the abysmal trophy presentation.

The most awkward championship trophy presentation in sports history. They've burned 99% of fireworks on Modi presenting the trophy to Cummins solo and they continue firing as Cummins stands alone on stage while Modi goes off stage to shake hands with the rest of the Aussie squad. — Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) November 19, 2023

Hahaha most awkward trophy presentation of all time — Charlie Reynolds (@cwjreynolds) November 19, 2023

Weirdest part of the World Cup trophy presentation was when Cummins was left alone on stage waiting for the rest to join in because Modi wanted some handshakes. Also, where did the Indian team disappear? #INDvAUS — Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) November 19, 2023

The trophy presentation for the Cricket World Cup must be up there with the worst I’ve ever seen — Royston (@KopBlock205) November 19, 2023

Gotta say, India stadiums for the World Cup were magnificent, but that trophy presentation was one of the worst I’ve seen in any sport in my life #CricketWorldCup — Matthew Smith (@Topcatsmith) November 19, 2023

That's a bloody awful trophy ceremony....Cummins left on his own up on the stage with the trophy because of the bloody politicians. How does cricket get it so wrong? — stuart hess (@shockerhess) November 19, 2023

Indian players 'inconsolable' after World Cup defeat

Leading cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan stated the Indian side left the field immediately after congratulating the Aussies on their win. "Have to feel for this Indian team. KL Rahul and Mohammad Siraj looked inconsolable while even Rohit Sharma didn’t hang around at all after the customary handshakes and just ran up the long steps here to the dressing-room," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While Indian Cricinfo writer Deivarayan Muthu, said there is unimaginable hurt from the Indians who truly believed this was their World Cup to lose. “Siraj has tears in his eyes. Rahul crumbles to the floor. Rohit and Kohli are expressionless. Bumrah walks off the field tossing what looks like water bottles to the floor in disgust. There is so much hurt out there,” he wrote.

Rohit Sharma says bowling first won Australia the World Cup

The result shattered India’s dreams of ending a global title drought, with the hosts bowled out for 240 and Travis Head's heroics helping Australia get over the line despite a shaky start .

Rohit Sharma said the move to bowl first ultimately won Australia the game. “We tried everything we could but I thought the wicket got slightly better to bat on under the lights,” he said.

“We knew under the lights it would be slightly better. I don’t want to give that as an excuse, we didn’t bat well enough to put enough runs on the board. It wasn’t supposed to be. Honestly, 20-30 more runs would’ve been good. I thought when KL (Rahul) and Virat (Kohli) were batting, we were looking at 270-280 at that point and we kept losing wickets.”

At one stage during the run chase, Australia slumped to 3-47 before the heroics from Head and the steady hands of Marnus Labushagne put on 192 runs. Head notched a World Cup final century before being caught on the boundary with Labuschagne going on to see through the win, finishing undefeated on 58.

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Where to watch the world cup final trophy ceremony on fox if nfl games start, share this article.

We have reached extra time in the 2022 World Cup final, with Argentina and France tied at 2-2.

And as of publishing this, there’s a chance that by the time a winner is declared, whether it’s in extra time or with some penalty kicks, the Week 15 slate of NFL games could be kicking off by 1 PM ET.

Which means FOX — the broadcaster of both the 2022 World Cup in Qatar AND the NFL — could have some conflicts.

Fear not soccer and football fans: If you want to watch the trophy presentation if it bleeds into kickoff time in the NFL, FOX will move it over to FS1:

PROGRAMMING ALERT 🚨 In the event the FIFA World Cup trophy ceremony happens near or after 1PM ET, live coverage of the trophy celebration will shift to FS1 as the NFL kicks off on FOX. — FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) December 18, 2022

There you go.

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Argentina vs France summary: trophy presentation, score, goals, highlights | Qatar World Cup 2022 final

Argentina vs France: as it happened

WORLD CUP 2022

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Ok, signing off.

Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me and the rest of the team at AS USA for the coverage of the Qatar World Cup 2022 . It has been a pleasure to provide you with information - and hopefully entertainment - during the past 4 weeks. 

The football was fantastic, the final might be the best ever and what a way to finish: with Messi lifting the World Cup for Argentina .

Thank you again and make sure to head on over to en.as.com for all the latest news in sport and beyond!

Here's Joe's team of the tournament - do you agree?

ATT - Messi (     ​​​​​)

ATT - Mbappé (     )

ATT - Griezmann (     )

MID - ​​​ Amrabat (     )

MID - Modric (     )

MID - Enzo Fernández  (     )

MID - Bellingham (no flag)

DEF - Gvardiol (     )

DEF - Rodri (     )

DEF - Hakimi (     ​​​​​​)

GK- Martínez (     ​​​​​​​)

Kun Agüero was never going to miss this!

He's still a huge part of the team, clearly so loved by the players.

Another Messi photo...

I'm not going to stop any time soon!

Messi lifts the World Cup / KAI PFAFFENBACH / REUTERS

Messi lifts the World Cup

Here's the trophy lift .  ​​​​​​​

What a moment in football history.

Barcelona recognise their greatest ever player

"For us you will always be the best"

Messi lifts the World Cup trophy / DYLAN MARTINEZ / REUTERS

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France

Here is the image that football has waited so, so long to see!

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE THIRD TIME

LIONEL MESSI LIFTS THE WORLD CUP FOR ARGENTINA!!!!!!!

            ​​​​​​​

And now it is Lionel Messi's turn to receive his World Cup winners' medal

No waiting from Acuña, who is straight up after Di María, almost causing a logistical nightmare for the man in a suit and no socks. 

The players are up, one by one, to collect their medals. 

Now it's time for the World Cup winners...

Deschamps is stood there like an angry parent whose child has come home late. He's waiting on Mbappé, who is nearly held in a headlock by the President of France. 

Now it's time for the French players to receive their medals...

The Argentinians give them a guard of honour.

Les Bleus stop on the podium for a photo organised by a man in a suit with trainers and no socks, but they just want to get home. 

Messi kisses the World Cup trophy in a moment that will be carved into history.

The winner of the best player of the tournament.... LIONEL MESSI​​​​​​​

The golden boot award for the top scorer, with 8 goals ... KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

​​​​​​​He poses for the photo, looking like he wants to smash the camera, the trophy and the stadium to pieces.

Goalkeeper of the tournament goes to.... DIBU MARTÍNEZ

​​​​​​​ who also gets told off for standing in the wrong place.​​​​​

    ​​​​​​​

Young player of the tournament... ENZO FERNÁNDEZ

​​​​​​​He gets a bit lost on the stage, taking the wrong turn on the big 8. 

The stage is a massive 8 shape, the logo of the World Cup, but at this scale it looks like a Mario Kart racetrack. 

The referees are up first... a gold whistle* for each of them. For being the best referees. 

*it's a medal, really.

The medals are carried out on dinner trays, by people in airplane staff outfits. FIFA really going hard on the Qatar airways theme, I see.

Now Infantino is here along with his friend, the Emir of Qatar

Messi majestic as Montiel spot-kick wins the World Cup: Argentina player ratings...

While we wait for the presentation to begin, here's Paul's player ratings, that he definitely didn't have to change at the last minute. Twice.

As per in Qatar 2022, we have a light show first.

The trophy/medal presentation is about to begin...

Montiel scores the winning penalty in the World Cup final / CARL RECINE / REUTERS

The moment Argentina became World Champions

Lloris was sent the wrong way by Montiel, who scored the 4th penalty for Argentina, which was enough to see them win.

The stage is being prepared on the pitch for the trophy lift...

We've been working hard like this for four years. It's difficult to explain how I feel, I just think of my family. We are so proud. This feeling is never going to sink in. Leandro Paredes , Argentina

There's nothing more beautiful than this, with my family here. I will never forget it.  Enzo Fernández , Argentina

The South American players are jumping, dancing, singing with the fans, who are adoring every moment. 

Mbappé is being consoled by Dibu Martínez and Macron, the French President. He's ignoring both of them, staring into the distance. When France came alive, Mbappé was the star. He took on the pressure and brought his team into the game, forcing problems for Argentina until the very end. What a star. 

Despite everything, we arrived here today calm, you could see it. But if you don't suffer, it's not worth anything. The first half was very good, the second not so much, but we always came through it. This is for Argentina, for everyone who supports us. Nico Tagliafico , Argentina

Muchaaachooossss... sing it!

What an achievement for the whole team. 

Great scenes as Scaloni is in tears, hugged tightly by Di María.

It was a game we had controlled, two mistakes gave them a draw. We go 3-2 up, they get one back, then they almost get two more. Thank God for this, I have no words. I dedicate this to my family. Emi Martínez , Argentina Goalkeeper

The greatest of all time

There was never really a debate...

They have finally done it; Messi has finally done it. On penalties, after the maddest final in modern football, Argentina ended a wait they had kept up since 1986. They have overcome heartbreak from 1990 and 2014, putting to bed the ghosts that have haunted the country since the days of Diego Maradona. 

Messi waves to the fans, tears in his eyes, he will finally have his moment with the World Cup trophy. 

THE PLAYERS RUN OFF IN TEARS

ARGENTINA HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP IN THE CRAZIEST FINAL YOU WILL EVER SEE.

MESSI IS WORLD CHAMPION

ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

ARGENTINA WIN THE WORLD CUP!!!!!!

MONTIEL SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF MONTIEL SCORES, THEY WIN THE WORLD CUP

This has to go in... 

SCORES!!!!!!!!

Paredes now...

WIDE!!!! HE MISSES!

Dibu kicks the ball away

Tchouameni...

SAVED!!!!!!!

DIBU TO THE RESCUE

GOAL! ONLY JUST!

Messi next...

Mbappé is first.

And France will shoot first!

The kicks will be taken in front of the Argentina fans...

Team talks complete...

Here we go...

What a crazy, crazy game of football. I can't even begin to process it.

I want to drink water, but I'm shaking so much I know I will just spill it all over myself. 

PENALTIES WILL DECIDE THE WORLD CUP FINAL WINNER

Mbappé almost gets a chance!!! He slides past 3 players but gets tackled inside the box!!!!!

ARGENTINA ATTACK!!! 

DIBU WHAT A SAVE 

I cannot keep up. Kolo Muani smacks a shot low and hard but somehow Dibu Martinez grows into a green giant and saves!!!!

LAUTARO ONE ON ONE! 

Argentina win a throw near the France goal. They play the ball all the way to the defence. 

France press, smelling blood.

Disasi on for Koundé

Dybala on for Tagliafico

3 minutes added.

SO CLOSE!!! THAT WAS THE CHANCE TO WIN!! KOLO MUANI ALMOST MAKES THE HEADER!! ​​​​​​​MARTINEZ HAD NO CHANCE

France now launch a counter attack...

ARGENTINA COME SO CLOSE!

Acuña wins a corner... into the final minute

Argentina attack... cut out 

MBAPPE SENDS MARTINEZ THE WRONG WAY TO DRAW LEVEL

IT IS 3-3!!!!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS GAME

GOOOOOAAAAALALLLLLLL ESXRDCTFVGYHESXRDCFTGVHESRDCFTGVYHBJDRFCTGVHBJCFTGVHBJKEXSRDFCTGHBJESXRDCFTGVHBJK

Mbappé steps up...

YES! PENALTY FOR FRANCE!!!!!!!!

HANDBALL! IS IT A PENALTY for FRANCE???

Mac Allister off for Pezzella

Corner for France, good work by Konaté.

Cleared away... for now

Paredes is booked for the tackle.

Free kick for France near the halfway line.

Now there's a fight, after Camavinga is fouled by Paredes...

Argentina hold the ball in the corner, some great timewasting here. 

Konaté on, Varane off

Varane is on the floor, he can't continue. 

Now France go again on the offensive, like before. 

Ok, I'll explain. Lautaro was played through on the right channel and he hit a shot that Lloris saved. It looked initially offside but he was just OK, by inches.

Messi got on the end of the rebound and although the defender cleared off the line, the referee's goal-line technology gave the goal!

​​​​​​​MESSI MAY HAVE WON HIS TEAM THE WORLD CUP.

IT LOOKED LIKE IT DIDN'T GO OVER THE LINE... BUT THE REFEREE GIVES THE GOAL.

MESSI GOT ON THE END OF THE SAVE FROM LLORIS AFTER LAUTARO'S SHOT!

MESSI MESSI MESSI MESSI MESSI

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 

GOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA

Save from Lloris!

​​​​​​​ Messi had a shot from distance but it was a comfortable stop from the goalkeeper.

Argentina attack down the left before switching play to the right.

The cross comes in from Montiel but it is high above the heads of everyone.

And we're back underway again, again, again! 

The final 15 minutes of the World Cup final.

Argentina 2-2 France

Half time of extra time!

​​​​​​​Argentina 2-2 France

Now for always exciting on-pitch team talks . An underrated part of football.

LAUTARO MISSES AGAIN!!!

​​​​​​​ONE ON ONE, HE SAYS IT DEFLECTED. SHOT PUT WIDE.

1 added minute. Corner cleared. 

DOUBLE CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!!!!

​​​​​​​LAUTARO MISSES FROM 12 YARDS OUT BEFORE VARANE HEADS OVER THE VOLLEY THAT CAME AFTER. CORNER!

Paredes has slot himself in between the two centre-backs in an attempt to help with build up and aid in keeping people back in case of Kylian Mbappé.

Acuña whacks a shot high and wide . Koundé kept with him to defend well. 

De Paul and Álvarez OFF

Lautaro and Paredes ON

Despite the result and the nerves and everything else, the Argentinian fans continue to sing like crazy. Fair play to them, it's been a great atmosphere.

Offside given after a few French crosses are hooked into the box. Argentina are given a breather...

Corner for France, Messi headed out of play.

Kolo Muani tries to be Mbappe but gets tackled on the edge of the box.

Mbappe takes the ball and does his best impression of, well, himself, jinxing past two challenges. 

Coman crosses, Romero heads away. Both teams finding space in the wide areas.

Chance for Argentina!

A cross from Acuña almost finds the heads of three players, before it gets cleared.

Mbappé called offside after finding space behind Romero, who looks to have fouled the striker in the build up.

Camavinga is a lovely player, he moves like he's gliding down a bowling alley. 

A couple of attempted attacks from each side that all break down instantly. Nerves everywhere.

Now it's Argentina who can't keep the ball. De Paul plays a nervous pass forward and Upamecano gets in the way to win back possession. 

Attack from Argentina...

Cut out by Camavinga, who tackles Messi on the edge of the box. 

Mac Allister hits a bouncing ball towards Lloris but it deflects wide after hitting his teammate. 

Argentina win another free kick, wide on the right, after Thuram clashes with Montiel.

Foul on De Paul by Rabiot. It's been a great mini battle between those two.

Well, here we go again, again!

Montiel is coming on for Argentina. Molina out.

I'm shaking. What a game of football. France have grown 600 sizes and look deadlier than ever , but Argentina are still finding spaces behind their defence. 

FULL TIME!!!

​​​​​​​Extra time coming up!

Attack for Argentina! I can't take this!

The ball bounces just too high for Messi, who fails to control it. 

France launch a counter attack but the referee blows it back for a foul by Acuña. What a favour the referee did there, Mbappé was waiting to be released...

Messi fired a bullet from the central space and Lloris got a strong hand to it. Corner

LLORIS SAVE FROM MESSI

WHAT A SAVE 

​​​​​​​WHAT A SAVE 

Now Argentina attack!! Cleared away by Rabiot.

Mbappe nearly gets away!! He gives the ball to Kolo Muani who is one on one but trips over the ball

MARTINEZ SAVES!!! ARGENTINA ARE ON THE ROPES. 

​​​​​​​Great from Coman to get down the left side. Martínez did well to save the cross from going anywhere dangerous.

CHANCE FOR MBAPPÉ. SHOOTS OVER. 

Camavinga and Thuram have given this team a new energy.

Corner for France...

The cross is cleared. 

Free kick for France, 35 yards out, after a foul on Thuram.

The Argentina fans continue to sing as their team launches an attack down the left, which rolls out of play.

8 added minutes.

Into the last minute.

France attacking again...

Mbappé has 7 goals in 7 games now. 

​​​​​​​Rabiot is down holding his neck.

France with another dangerous attack but it looks like the referee got the call right. It was Thuram booked, not Camavinga. 

PENALTY SHOUT FOR FRANCE!!!!!

Thuram booked instead.

Good bye match report! Goodbye player ratings! Nobody dares do anything!

France look like the most dangerous side the world has ever seen! 

I don't know what minute it is, nor where I am anymore... but I can't take my eyes off this game. 

France attack again...

KOLO MUANI ALMOST CONNECTS WITH A HEADER

The game is broken.

France attack, then Argentina, then France again.

Unbelievable. What a turnaround. 

Argentina haven't even collapsed, but FRANCE ARE JUST NOT ABLE TO BE KILLED.

MBAPPE PLAYS A ONE TWO WITH THURAM ON THE EDGE OF THE BOX AND HE SLAMS THE VOLLEY INTO THE FAR CORNER 

​​​​​​​I HAVE NO WORDS. 

2-2!!!!!!!!!!

MBAPPE SCORES

NO WAY 

MBAPPE HAS SCORED

Madre mía, that came from nothing...

Now France are on the attack!

​​​​​​​Mbappé sends the penalty low to the left and Martínez can't stop it despite diving the right way!

​​​​​​​GAME ON!

MBAPPE SCORES THE PENALTY

A clear foul from Otamendi, who scrambled back to chase Kolo Muani...

Mbappe to take

OTAMENDI FOULED KOLO MUANI 

YELLOW CARD

OH MY! PENALTY FOR FRANCE!!!!!!

It's Argentina who are now playing France at their own game , waiting like patient alligators before snapping forward in a counter attack.

France look lost . They are absolutely shocked to the bones in this game by Argentina's intensity and confidence. Nobody had been able to match them until today, but boy, how Messi and co. have battered them to a pulp.

Tchouaméni slams into Romero. Ouch.

Camavinga is at left-back.

SAVE FROM LLORIS!

Messi squirms as Messi does before laying off Enzo, whose shot from the edge of the box is saved.

​​​​​​​The confidence Argentina are showing is radiating from their shirts.

Theo and Griezmann OFF ​​​​​​​ Coman and Camavinga ON

Mbappé has a shot! 

He skips inside the box before launching a frustrated effort above the bar.

The fourth official holds up the subs board, expecting the changes to be allowed by the referee, who waves to play on.

The referee equivalent of going to shake someone's hand who gives you a fist bump.

France are preparing more changes...

A now-or-never dice roll from Deschamps.

Kolo Muani connects, making that France's first shot of the game.

A dodgy clearance from Otamendi spins high and over his goal. Corner for France.

France with some possession at the back, trying to work it through Argentina's wall.

How does Messi do it? And by 'it', I mean everything. 

​​​​​​​ He took the long way round the defender when playing a one-two with Mac Allister, but still managed to make it before his opponent.

Ángel Di María OFF

He might have just won his country a World Cup.

Marcos 'The Egg' Acuña ON

HUGE CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!!! SAVED!!

Wow! Messi slides a pass to Julián who lays off Mac Allister, bursting through the middle.  ​​​​​​​Hugo Lloris comes to the rescue, clattering the ball away.

9 shots for Argentina, 5 on target.

0 for France.

The stadium is one huge party, right now. They haven't stopped singing all game. 

CHANCE FOR MESSI. GREAT WORK BY DI MARÍA AGAIN.

Koundé is having a horror show against Di María. ​​​​​​​ The winger hit a cross from the left, Messi connected but his shot went wide.

Chance for Álvarez!

Messi slipped a pass through the French defence and boy wonder  Julián took a big touch to the left before firing a low shot that hit the side netting. 

A frustrated Mbappé fouls pantomime villain, De Paul. 

Kolo Muani with nice footwork on the right side. 

Tackled instantly after. 

De Paul, now back on his feet, is having a word with the offender, Rabiot. I bet he's not saying very nice things. 

Rabiot booked for a scissor challenge on De Paul . An orange card for me, that one.

De Paul is still on the ground. 

BIG MISTAKE FROM EMI MARTINEZ!

France almost have a chance to score from the halfway line after a bad clearance from Dibu, but since nothing is going well for France , they mess up the chance.

Messi takes his time before whipping a corner to the front post , again . I think I've found something he can't do!

That is a joke.

Corner for Argentina, won by De Paul.

Cleared. Argentina counter.

Theo accidentally lets the ball run out and it's a throw for la Albiceleste  ​​​​​​​near the corner flag.

A 'chance' (it wasn't really) for France, but it was the best they've had. Mbappé on the right side wins a corner, but it was excellently defended.

A quick break down the left gets switched to the other side:  De Paul leaps acrobatically, but his shot is saved.

CHANCE FOR ARGENTINA!

DE PAUL VOLLEY - SAVED!

The Argentina press is shattering the game for France, they can't build up at all...

Dibu Martínez grabs onto the ball and holds onto it. I'm not sure he knows what it looks like, he's seen it so little since the game started.

Mac Allister goes close!!!

Lloris got out well to catch the ball that was chipped through a gap in the defence; the Brighton man was through on his own.

And Argentina attack immediately...

Here we go again! Messi kicks us off for the second half. 

Argentina      2-0     ​​​​​​​France

The players are back out on the pitch!

The last time a World Cup final was 2-0 at half time was France vs Brazil in 1998;  Les Bleus went on to win 3-0.

It is going to take a lot for France to get back into today's final, Argentina have them beat in every area of the pitch.

Iker Casillas is on the pitch, showing everyone the World Cup trophy. It's incredibly shiny.

Sofascore's HT ratings:

I'm going to furiously email and ask why Di María hasn't got an 11 out of 10 for that performance.

Need I say anything?

He had a fantastic half, and even got involved in the defending!

Argentina      2-0      ​​​​​​​ France

What a performance from Argentina!

That was brilliant from the South American side, and Di María in particular.  ​​​​​​​They absolutely bossed France, who haven't had a sniff at goal. Mbappé has been silenced, as has Griezmann and nothing says desperate from Deschamps like those two early substitutions to mix things up. 

Let's see how they get on in the second half, but if it is anything like the first, where Argentina have dominated in possession, territory and threat, then France could be in for an even worse evening.  

How do you say debacle in French?

Close! Nobody arrives but it looked like it was whipped in dangerously.

Free kick for Griezmann to cross in...

Enzo booked for being a pest.

Last minute of the half.

France try to break away with Kolo Muani, but he's fouled.

I haven't said much about the added time but it's because Argentina just keep kicking the ball out for throw ins. 

Deschamps has got a very angry face on right now. 

Thuram shows his teammates that if you run with the ball, it goes closer to goal. Some of his friends then try it, but they run into the defenders instead of around them.

France have not had a single chance all half.  Super impressive from Argentina in all areas.

Thuram, by virtue of being a busy body, manages to find some space down the left. His cross is blocked.

7 minutes added.

Messi absolutely fires himself back to defend as France get a few yards closer to goal, tackling Kolo Muani . Could be the biggest cheer of the night, that.

We're into the last minute of the half, and France have had their longest sequence of possession so far , about 90 seconds.

Di María, again with space on the righ t , works it well but Koundé sees it out for a goal kick. 

Wow, that is bold from Deschamps, who is obviously not happy. 

That's the most obvious thing I've ever said in my life.

SUBS FOR FRANCE!

Dembélé and Giroud OFF!

Kolo Muani and Thuram on. 

Koundé fouls Di María, who has been utterly superb all half. 

5 to go until half time. 

Argentina have bossed this game. They've seen France want to give them the initiative, well they've taken it and have shoved it down their throats!

France look shellshocked! This atmosphere is like the most daunting away game on the planet!

If the Lusail Stadium bounces any more, it will end up in the Gulf!

A PERFECT COUNTER ATTACK

Messi flicks to Julián, who plays it to Mac Allister. The Brighton midfielder burns down the right channel on his own before laying off a perfect pass to Ángel Di María who scores his first goal of the World Cup

 ÁNGEL DI MARÍAAAAAAAAAAAAA PUTS ARGENTINA 2-0 UP IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA ARGENTINA ARGENTINA 

5 shots for the South Americans so far, 2 on target. Nil poi for France.

France just haven't got going so far. Argentina seem to have them at arm's length. 

We know what that means.

Messi goes on that run inside from the right, scaring every soul in France except Upamecano, who challenges well.

Uff, lovely from De Paul , who looks as though he is about to give up possession but instead flicks it to Messi, completing a lovely one-two. Argentina turning on the style against France's press.

The ball is opened to Di María, but his cross is too high for Julián Álvarez, who is not 8 metres tall, and it flies out of play.

The Argentinian  muchachos song rings around the ground. Now that's a tune, never mind the official anthem.

He's back on and immediately forces a corner. Quite good, isn't he.

He's back on now. All good. 

Messi has come off as it was a head injury. 

Messi is holding his face after that . Seems to have taken a knock. For now, he looks OK. 

Cleared away. Messi fouled in the process and the referee has blown for a free kick to Argentina. Theo clashed with him as they challenged for the ball.

Free kick for France, 40 yards out. Griezmann to cross in from the right.

Di María , despite the doubts that surrounded his inclusion, has been the difference-maker so far. He wormed past his marker then like, well, Messi.

The stadium is rocking on all four sides. What a fantastic atmosphere.

Back underway.

Argentina 1-0 France 

Di María made a great run from the left side into the box and Dembélé tripped him from behind. The referee didn't hesitate to blow his whistle. 

Argentina have started the better side and now it's up to France to get themselves back into the game. 

HE SENDS LLORIS THE WRONG WAY, PUTTING THE BALL TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.

THE STADIUM HAS JUST ERUPTED

MESSI PUTS ARGENTINA AHEAD IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!!!!!!!!!!

Penalty confirmed, Messi to take... 

DEMBELE FOULED DI MARIA

PENALTY TO ARGENTINA!!!!!

How does Messi take so many steps in such little time? It's like watching a millipede run.

GIROUD JUST OVER THE BAR!!!

​​​​​​​I swear these French players read this feed and decide to attack just as I say they're being quiet. 

There you go, again! Theo bursts down the left wing and De Paul brings him down in a dangerous area out wide. Free kick.

France, apart from that half-half-chance from Mbappé , which wasn't even that, have had pretty much nothing to show for so far. 

But we know what that means. Watch out for them.

​​​​​​​Messi finds De Paul down the right who puts the ball back across goal. Di María arrives inside the box but he hits it with his right foot and the ball flies over the bar.

Over 50% of possession for Argentina, who are passing it around the back, looking for gaps in the French block. 

Messi almost slips in Di María!

Ah, offside. Good work nevertheless from Koundé to spot the pass. 

There we go. France spring into action as Mbappé links up with Rabiot on the edge of the box. Argentina defended well.

So far,  Argentina have had the better possession , but those pesky French rattlesnakes know where to hide before they pounce. 

A lovely ball from Messi out wide to Di María causes some trouble for the France defence, but Tchouaméni covers well.

We're back underway. 

Lloris is sat on the pitch, taking a minute to get his breath back. Signals he's OK to continue. 

Lloris is down after being shoved by Romero in the corner mosh pit. 

The corner is poor from Messi . It falls to De Paul who whips a cross in, but the mess of bodies in the box causes the referee to blow his whistle. 

CHANCE FOR DE PAUL!! CORNER!

​​​​​​​He had the ball on the edge of the box and struck a shot that deflected wide.

Di María breaks away down the left but Dembélé tracks back well

France have had a few passes from the back intercepted by the Argentinian midfielders in the opening minutes . Scaloni's team are pressing well.

It's a nervous start from everyone, with lots of frantic pressing from both sides.

Messi penalised for a foul on Theo.

Mac Allister finds space on the edge of the box and hits a shot. Lloris saves easily.

Di María has started on the left and is up against Koundé. He looks very lively. 

Messi fouled by Upamecano after they both jumped for a header. 

FIRST CHANCE OF THE GAME FOR ARGENTINA!!

​​​​​​​De Paul chips over for Álvarez but he misses the ball. Offside.

Ooohh! Dibu Martínez takes a while to kick the ball away and Griezmann nearly caught him out!

First foul of thr game from De Paul on Rabiot.

France are pressing very high up the pitch in a 4-3-3 as Argentina play around at the back.

Tchouameni immediately fires a long ball towards the left corner and it's a throw for Argentina.

The World Cup final has begun!

Griezmann kicks us off from right to left.

Here are the lineups:

France XI: Lloris; Koundé, Varane, Upamecano, T.Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; O.Dembélé, Mbappé, Giroud.

Argentina XI: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Di María, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.

We are ready to go!

Argentina in their home shirt, white shorts and white socks; France in dark blue from head to toe.

Here they come! The two squads are lined up, waiting for the national anthems.

Argentina first, and it is absolutely belted out by the majority of the stadium. And Messi, who screamed it.

Now for France, a very happy tune as well. Well sung by all, albeit a bit quieter than the 40,000 Argentina fans, as you might expect.

The players are in the tunnel. Serious faces all round.

The World Cup final is about to begin!

        ​​​​​​​

The pre-match light show is underway!

Yes, the huge World Cup is there, don't worry.

One for the France fans...

Here's a great stat to give you pre-match confidence ahead of the game!

French president Macron in the house

French president Emmanuel Macron ready for the final against Argentina , with his wife Brigette alongside him. 

Team warm ups are over!

Both sides have retreated to the dressing rooms and are now having their final team talks - we've only got 15 minutes to go!

Argentina vs France 2022 World Cup final odds and predictions: Who is the favourite?

I just got all nervous when I looked at the clock - there is less than half an hour to go! ​​​​​​​

So, who is the most likely team to win? Check out the odds. Oh, and an attempt at a prediction. 

Yes, I know I like to speak about Griezmann a lot

He has been the player of the tournament for some (me) and once you look at the range in those statistics, where he contributes so heavily both in attack and defence, you can see why!

Here's official confirmation of the Argentina lineup:

Just as the squad takes their first steps on the pitch... the noise in the Lusail Stadium just jumped up to crazy levels! 40,000 screams of joy!

France are out for the warmup!

Both squads have started to get ready for the game, but there are still plenty of seats to be filled. Apparently there are problems with the metro for fans arriving at the stadium. 

France were loudly booed as they came out of the tunnel - the majority of fans inside the stadium are Argentina shirt wearers.

Acuña is not in the starting XI for Argentina due to injury. 

I *think* it's finished. I can only hear the Argentina fans now, who seem to have enjoyed that greatly. 

I'm finding it quite hard to keep up with which pop singer is on now, but there's someone spinning round in circles wearing a huge body warmer, who I believe is Davido . 

During the chorus of the song, I've realised that it's what I've been humming away to all month without noticing. There you go.

The exercise balls actually have little drone arms on them, and the Argentina and France balls have now flown away . I'd like to see Messi try to score with one of those.

Here comes the 'Official World Cup song', with *checks notes* Davido, Aisha, Ozuna and Gims.

Now there are lots of people on the pitch with huge exercise balls of all the flags of the World Cup, forming a circle, spinning round. 

The closing ceremony is underway!

We've got a singer doing a nice version of What a Wonderful World. It sounds good, they should get her on the national anthems later.

Now there are some flying whales, seriously. 

world cup 2022

The reason why the final of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 is played on December 18

Today is a special day in Qatar for two reasons, one of them the World Cup final (of course), but do you know the other?

One hour to go!

The team news is in, both squads are in the stadium that is filling up as we speak (I'd say it's about halfway to being full)... the countdown is well and truly on!

Sofascore says...

They have Argentina down in a 4-4-2 shape , which would put Álvarez up with Messi and Di María further back. He will have a tough job on his hands today with Molina to keep Mbappé quiet!

Here is the official confirmation of the France XI:

Theo , Varane , Rabiot , Upamecano and Tchouaméni have all overcome their problems and have been deemed fit to play. 

France XI confirmed!

Koundé - Varane - Upamecano - Theo

Tchouaméni - Rabiot - Griezmann 

Dembélé - Mbappé - Giroud

The France squad have arrived at the stadium

Les Bleus may already be at the stadium, but the  Argentinian fans are the ones making all the noise!

The Argentina team is in!

Martínez

Molina - Romero - Otamendi - Tagliafico

Mac Allister - Enzo - De Paul

Di María - Messi - Álvarez

The last time they met...

Will we have another game like this one? 

France, with an incredibly young-looking Kylian Mbappé , came out on top of a crazy match in 2018. Both Messi and Kylian himself had a huge part to play in the goals. 

Of course, Argentina were eliminated here, and France went on to win the trophy with their star-studded squad. 

The French dressing room is ready...

The countdown is well and truly on! Just over 90 minutes to go!

Diego Maradona 1986 / CARLO FUMAGALLI / AP

Diego Maradona in Mexico...

Can Messi cement himself into history even further with an iconic photo like this one?

The 1986 World Cup final at the Estadio Azteca  was the culmination of one of the greatest individual sporting performances ever seen: Maradona in Mexico has gone down as one of the most important periods of football history. It was a time in which Diego carried the team to the final, putting in match-winning moments of genius time after time, dancing round defences and scoring impossible goals in games of extremely high pressure and an entire nation's dreams  riding along with him. Remind you of anyone?

Argentina possible starting lineup for the World Cup final vs France

Since we don't know yet, here's how Argentina could line up , given the injuries and suspensions within Scaloni's squad .

The manager has a choice to make on how he will start the game, as we have seen various versions of his team so far at the World Cup . Against the Netherlands     , Scaloni went with a back 5 to neutralise Dumfries, which worked well. Against Croatia      , he flooded the midfield and played Paredes in a 4-4-2. 

​​​​​​​What will we see today? How will he try to stop France's fantastic four?

We've got some early team news...

It looks as though the Camel Flu that has flown throughout the squad has, well, flapped its wings and gone off to the horizon. That's a pretty much full-strength XI for France , if L'Équipe  have got it right. 

Why do some teams have stars on their jerseys? What do they represent?

There is a lot of talk about the two teams having two stars on their shirt and that at the end of the day one of them will have three, but what do they mean and where do they come from? 

Just two hours to go!

OK, plus a couple of minutes. 

If you've just joined us, welcome to the AS live feed of the World Cup final between Argentina      and     ​​​​​​​France!

It's Joe here and I'll be providing all the details of the game!

Valdano: “We’re seeing a Messi with greater influence - not just in terms of football”

Jorge Valdano won the World Cup with Argentina - and Maradona - in 1986 , scoring the second goal in a crazy 3-2 win over West Germany.

He analysed Sunday’s final and the battle between Messi and Mbappé.

When it's all over, we're going to play a game

I'm not wishing away the game, far form it, I'm just giving you a warning!

My team of the tournament is coming up after the game's finished, with ​​​​one player from each nation  maximum - but I want to see yours! 

Get in touch @English_AS or @j4brennan on Twitter . 

We were always going to do it at some point, right?

Here are the two kings, the figureheads of each team, one the present, the other the future. 

Messi vs Mbappé in the World Cup final , both with the chance to make history in different ways is something you might try to achieve on a video game with heavy levels of in-game manipulation and control over both controllers. But it's real, it's genuinely happening today and when you stop to look at the numbers, it becomes incredibly obvious as to why it has occurred. 

Messi currently leads Mbappé in overall rating, and in terms of the eye test, the Argentinian looks in a hotter streak of form than his PSG teammate, coming into the final on the back of match-winning performances in multiple knockout rounds of the competition. 

Mbappé has somewhat stalled in the latter stages of the competition after a whirlwind start to his World Cup campaign. Yes, he set up Kolo Muani's tap in against Morocco for the majority of the game he was reasonably quiet and the same goes against England, where he was kept tame by Southgate's system. 

The biggest difference in the statistics shown in the graphic is key passes, with Messi averaging a mind-bogglingly high 3 per game; Kylian is just under 2. This owes to the Argentinian's importance in how he functions within the system: Scaloni's team plays to Messi and for Messi.  ​​​​​​​Specific players within the system (I'm looking at you, Rodrigo De Paul) change their role minute by minute to suit whatever it is Messi need s , whether it be to cover him, manipulate space, create doubt in the opposition player's mind by giving them another player to mark, or simply move away from Messi to give him a chance to play his own game , the chameleonic Argentinian system will warp around their star player to facilitate him.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS

Player to watch: Julián Álvarez

OK, so the answer is Messi , but let's take a look at Julián Álvarez for something different.

The Manchester City striker, were it not for Messi and his penalties, would be Argentina's top scorer. And he wasn't even supposed to start . Lautaro Martínez was Messi's partner in the first game of the tournament against Saudi Arabia, but is now out of favour in Scaloni's plans. 

Álvarez has stepped in wonderfully, getting on the end of assists and having the underrated quality of being in the right place at the right time. His goals against Croatia were the perfect examples of just what he does best : for the first one he did his best Messi impression, glueing the ball to his boot and running wildly down the pitch; the second one was a cool finish after finding enough space in the box for Messi to play the ball to him. 

Not a bad comparison!

Maybe a wake up call was the best thing that could have happened to Argentina, as nobody on the team would have wanted angry Messi to come out so early... they'd have wanted to save that guy for the final!

France's injury list: a blessing in disguise?

France      ​​​​​​​ came into the tournament with an injury list as daunting as an ancient scroll: 

Kanté

And then Benzema got injured on the eve of the tournament, just before  Lucas Hernández tore his knee ligament .

These absences forced Deschamps to change things up, putting in Giroud up top and switching out Lucas for his brother, Theo. The two 'substitutes' have arguably been, along with Mbappé and my boy Griezmann, France's best players during the competition.

Without these players missing, France would not have used Giroud and Griezmann in the way we have seen them and would perhaps not have performed to the same brilliant level. I know, in an imaginary world of impossible-to-prove alternate universes, they could have won every game 6-0 - but they haven't. Instead, they've been brilliant without shining , using an alternative plan, and they've made it all the way to the final. 

Hugo Lloris on the verge of making history

France's goalkeeper and captain H ugo Lloris could make history today were he to lift the World Cup at the end of the game. 

If so, he would become the first captain to win the World Cup trophy in two consecutive editions. 

Only two teams have won consecutive World Cups: Brazil ( 1958 & 1962) and Italy (1934 & 1938). However, on both occasions the winning captains were different, meaning that Lloris would become the first.

Added to that, he has already become the player with the most appearances ever for France, with 143 games.  He is also the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances (19) , along with Germany's     ​​​​​​​Manuel Neuer. He will break that record today (if he starts).

‘Papu’ Gómez MLS bound in 2023?

And while we're on the topic of MLS : might Papu Gómez be the next Argentinian to move stateside ?

Can Thiago Almada get on the field in the World Cup final?

And the answer is...

Thiago Almada of Atlanta United!

​​​​​​​Did you get it?

Pub quiz question #2!

Which current MLS player could get on the pitch at the World Cup final?

(hint: he plays for Argentina      ​​​​​​​)

Messi vs Maradona: the battle for the crown of best ever

Today is, for many people, rightly or wrongly , a chance for Messi to cement himself as the greatest player of all time . Some would say that he's already there, that team trophies - and especially national team ones - shouldn't be counted, as it does not entirely come down to the player but the squad and the moment in which they find themselves. 

But for others, to see Messi with the World Cup trophy in his hands , one that has evaded him in the cruellest way possible, one that looked impossible to achieve, would be the crowning moment for his status as the best ever. 

It would certainly put him on the same level as Diego Maradona , the player who a lot of people, and Argentinians in particular, saw holds the accolade. He certainly does in term of symbolism, with that famous 1986 win being the image that is plastered across bedroom walls, social media and, most importantly, in the minds of everyone who loves football. Today Messi could have his own. 

Here's a delightful graphic from Sofascore that I've pulled out of my bag of tricks which compares the two Argentinian geniuses. 

Didier Deschamps said "it helps" to play multiple finals. But which of his players was he talking about? 

Here are two pieces about the survivors of each team from their last time in a World Cup final. 

Which France players that played in the 2018 World Cup final will also be in the 2022 final?

How many players from Argentina’s current squad played in the 2014 World Cup final?

Didier Deschamps pre-match comments:

The context of a final is always special. There is an emotional side that can be different for every player.  When it's the first final for a player, there are less references and data. Playing in lots of finals helps. The emotional management is important.  In 2018 there were 7 players that are here today. It's not actually the same team as before. I'm not going to compare them, it makes no sense.  Argentina can do different things, but so can we.  Kylian needs calmness, serenity. He's in a great frame of mind.  Didier Deschamps , France manager

Lionel Scaloni pre-match comments:

I am proud and very motivated for the moment we are in. They're very beautiful times to enjoy.  The group is in their best moment yet, at the door of the final. I have the starting XI already decided. Our way of playing goes further than the system and the players that we choose will be the ones we think will do France the most damage.  France isn't just Mbappé. It's a team of players that make him better. The final is Argentina against France, it's more than Messi against Mbappé. There are other players who can decide the game, not just those two.  Lionel Scaloni , Argentina manager

5 goals - Lionel Messi 

5 goals - Kylian Mbappé

4 goals - Julián Álvarez

4 goals - Olivier Giroud

Did you get them all? Of course you did, well done. 

Who is the referee for Argentina vs France World Cup 2022 final?

Before I reveal the answer to the greatest pub quiz question of all time, here's everything you need to know about  Szymon Marciniak , today's referee.

Let's have a pub quiz...

I'll be quiz master. We will start off with an easy one:

Who are the current 4 top scorers of the World Cup?

(hint: they could all play today)

Did you know? A curious kit coincidence...

Argentina will be in their famous blue and white striped home shirt for the game today. The French will also be sporting their traditional colour of deep blue, which is nice for all of us who love football shirts and lovely colours. 

The last time Argentina wore their home shirt in a World Cup final was 1986, which they won . The other two times they reached the final, in 1990 and 2014, they wore their away shirt. They lost both of those games. 

Will this curious kit coincidence continue?

We need to talk about Grizi / PETER CZIBORRA / REUTERS

We need to talk about Grizi

​​​​​​​I'm going to spoil the fun now before I've even decided on the rest of my awards: Antoine Griezmann is my player of the tournament. 

​​​​​​​The Atlético Madrid [insert position here] has become the everything-man within Didier Deschamps' team, and  the tactical surprise of the World Cup was only put there to fill the tremendous gap left by the three million injuries that France suffered prior to the competition.

It's amazing, Grizi has contributed in both attack and defence like never before: he has the most assists and has the most chances created at Qatar 2022,  all while being the defensive scampering dog that helps out with ball recovery. 

Against Morocco, he performed 101 pressures (according to Opta) - the most by any French player during a World Cup 2022 game! 

Griezmann is key to unlocking defences for France, as he slips past players as they get all shaky about Mbappé and Theo Hernández down the left side. Keep an eye on the boy.

Isn't this lovely!

The cool people at Sofascore have prepared this very snazzy graphic so we can hold hands and walk down memory lane, remembering all the fun we had along the journey to the World Cup final.

You like it? There's more to come. Trust me. I've got loads. 

Didier Deschamps says Mbappé needs “calmness” before World Cup Final

Here is everything Didier Deschamps had to say in the build up to the game, including whether or not Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema is set to return to the squad for the final.

FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Team news: Argentina

Suspended pair Marcos Acuña (also known as 'the egg')  and Gonzalo Montiel served their suspensions in the Croatia victory and will be ready to return to the side, should Scaloni choose to do so.

Ángel Di María is as fit as he is can be and will most likely feature at some point, even if he doesn't start. My inkling is that Scaloni will choose a midfield four of Mac Allister, Enzo, De Paul and Paredes , but there could be some surprises.

Papu Gómez is a doubt for the game and may not be fit to play, but we're not sure. ​​​​​​​

Leo Messi seems to be fit , despite holding him hamstring and giving us all a fright against Croatia.

  ​​​​​​​     ​​​​​​​

Friedemann Vogel / EFE

Team news: France

" With regards to the virus from yesterday, the players are still sleeping so I can’t tell you ", said Deschamps in his pre-match press conference, when asked about the fitness of Coman, Upamecano, Varane and Konaté, who all appear to be suffering from the Camel Virus that has affected the French squad. Rabiot has also been affected by the virus and missed the Morocco game, but should be well enough to play.

As such, they are all doubts for the game. 

In terms of injuries, Theo Hernández and Aurelién Tchouaméni missed training in the week and were doubtful for the match, but they should be OK to play.

The newest and worrying-est news is that Olivier Giroud is a doubt for the final with a slight knee injury . Missing one of the fantastic four would be a huge blow for France and Mbappé in particular, who uses Giroud's amazing powers of attraction to his benefit, taking advantage of the space left behind.   ​​​​​​​

Argentina: the story so far

Do you remember that Saudi Arabia game? It feels so long ago but the feeling of my eyes dropping down and falling out of my mouth in shock is still there. 

After the game, Messi was asked for his thoughts:

"The truth? Dead. It’s a very hard blow because we did not expect to start in this way .’ We expected to get the three points that would have given us calmness. Things happen for a reason. We have to prepare for what is coming, we have to win, and it depends on us."

And when the boss speaks like that, you listen. Argentina went out and beat both Mexico and Poland 2-0 to top the group, with the Newells Old Boys graduate the start of the show. 

They put away Australia in slightly less convincing fashion than France had done before going all the way to penalties with the Netherlands : you remember that Wout Weghorst goal , right? 

Croatia came next, last time's runners-up, in a match that had all the makings of a tough affair for Scaloni's team . But they pierced through them with a bit of Messi sprinkled throughout, who rotated (defender of the tournament) Gvardiol's soul in his ribcage before laying the ball off to Julián Álvarez to make it 3-0.

France: the story so far

Les Bleus     ​​​​​​​, as mentioned, have made it this far by being brilliant in moments, like fireworks, if that's your thing. 

Their first result of the tournament, a 4-1 win over Australia, led us all to believe that they would be a fluid attacking unit that relentlessly went about like a giant dinosaur, scything teams to shreds . But no. They're something much scarier than that. 

Much scarier than a dinosaur? Yes. Against Denmark they slept under the water and waited for the dark horses to come and have a drink at the lake, getting too close before they jumped out and grabbed them, dragging them in. They beat the Danes 2-1 with a Kylian Mbappé double. With qualification already confirmed, they lost the final game 1-0 against Tunisia having fielded a heavily changed side.

A 3-1 win over the most lacklustre Poland side ever in the Round of 16 was a routine performance, before they squeezed past England using all of their best tricks, namely that attacking front 4. Griezmann teed up Giroud for a header late on but it was   a Harry Kane penalty that went into orbi t that meant Deschamps side carried on in the tournament. 

Then came the surprise of the tournament, Morocco , and we saw the real France. With an early goal in their pocket they sat back, allowing the Atlas Lions all the rule of the pitch, before a late Kolo Muani tap in crushed the dreams of everyone's new favourite country. 

And now they're here, in the final. Waiting to crush Argentinian dreams.

World Cup Final preview: ​​​​​​

This is, as you might expect, quite a tough one to call. France     ​​​​​​​ have worked their way through the World Cup being quite unspectacular in a very spectacular way . They don’t dominate the ball, using a Pep Guardiola style 2-3-5 to attack like interchanging butterflies twisting in formation. Instead, they wait. Like sleeping lions. 18 hours a day of rest, if needs be. They allow you to control the ball, mark your territory, maintain the tempo you want, how kind of them. Then they snap. 

And when that crazy front 4 get going, nobody has the antidote. Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé will tear you apart just as you get comfortable in your chair, and you can’t do anything about it. Against Morocco the story was just like that. The reigning champions sat back, relaxed, with a lovely cup of tea, and decided to strike when Mbappé hopped, skipped and squirmed through 15 defenders before his deflected shot was tapped in to make it 2-0. 

Against the French, you don’t get to choose how you play. It’s like building a house of cards with a petulant child, it doesn’t matter how long you spend lining them up, one on top of the other, if the kid wants to blow it down, they will.

Argentina     ​​​​​​, though, have a magic key. Like a fantasy film, they always use the get-out-of-jail superpower that just so happens to perfectly suit what they need to do. La Albiceleste have that in a player who is really good at football. It’s like they brought him on purpose. I don’t even need to name him.

Yes, Messi can decide the came in a moment of genius , which is what might well happen, and Scaloni will know that. But he will also be aware that France too love to do exactly the same thing with their PSG forward, so his team might reflect some feelings of precaution. It could probably come in the shape of a midfield 4, with Paredes dropping in instead of Ángel Di María, who will feature at some point, just maybe not from the start.

Here’s a couple of in-depth tactical breakdowns of the two teams:

Three possible Argentina lineups for World Cup final against France

France’s possible tactics for the final against Argentina

Today's coverage is going to be humungous . We'll have everything from stats to predictions to lovely pictures of footballers, and more.

Thanks again for joining and thank the clouds Morocco didn't make it because otherwise I'd be on the Bono pun train all day long. We'd (I'd) be digging around in B-sides and unpublished newsletters for anything, so at least we don't have that. 

My, oh my, welcome to the World Cup final coverage from AS . It’s Joe here today and I’ll be guiding you through all the laughter, tears and most importantly, the football, of the day. 

How do I say this in a non-screaming yet very loud and excited way?

It’s the World Cup final!

Yes, Argentina     vs     ​​​​​​​France  go up against each other for the third golden star, the golden trophy and lots of gold confetti in game 64 of 64 of this, the strangest tournament we’ve ever seen, Qatar 2022. But what a final we have.

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Lionel Messi Wears Traditional Arab Robe During World Cup Trophy Presentation

• Author: Robert Summerscales

Lionel Messi finally got to lift the World Cup trophy in his 18th year as a senior Argentina international.

The image of the 35-year-old lifting the famous trophy in his team's iconic blue and white jersey is one thousands of Argentines have long dreamed of.

But most of those dreams probably did not include Messi also wearing a black bisht.

Messi was dressed in the traditional Arab cloak by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, moments before the trophy was handed over following Sunday's final.

The garment is usually worn on special occasions such as weddings. It is a prestigious statement garment and was given to Messi to honor the Argentina captain.

Lionel Messi pictured being dressed in a traditional Arab bisht before he lifted the World Cup trophy as captain of Argentina

IMAGO/NurPhoto/Jose Breton

Messi lifted the trophy for the first time while still wearing the cloak, but he discarded it shortly afterwards.

He was later seen wearing a new Argentina shirt decorated with three stars, to signify that this had been his country's third World Cup triumph.

The Emir of Qatar's decision to dress Messi up divided opinion among spectators.

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What is a bisht and why was Messi wearing it at the World Cup?

The emir of Qatar put a bisht on Argentina captain Messi during the World Cup closing ceremony.

At the World Cup trophy presentation after Argentina’s win over France in the final on Sunday, Lionel Messi was offered a bisht, a traditional Arab cloak, to wear by the emir of Qatar.

Messi allowed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to place the robe on his shoulders before taking the World Cup trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and lifting it in front of his ecstatic teammates.

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Photos: messi and argentina lift world cup after win over france, france fans hail mbappe’s dazzling world cup final performance, messi says he will not retire from argentinian national team, tears of relief and joy as messi lifts world cup for argentina, what is a bisht.

The bisht is a long cloak made out of light, often sheer, material with trimming made out of real gold that is worn over a white thobe.

Primarily worn in the Gulf, it is a garment that has been worn for centuries during special occasions. It is viewed as a sign of appreciation and respect and is typically worn by top officials such as politicians, sheikhs and other high-status individuals.

What is special about the bisht?

Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Exeter, told the dpa news agency that the bisht is a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies.

“So only a select few people would actually wear the bisht,” he said. “They basically honoured him [Messi] by putting it over his shoulders. It’s like a mark of honour, and just kind of a cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance.”

Baig said it is also representative of Qatar’s national dress – but only on important occasions.

“And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honour,” he said.

Baig said he saw it as “an embrace by Messi of the local culture”, adding that it was “a pretty cool thing” for Qatar to do and “smart thinking” on their behalf.

What did the organisers say?

Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, said: “It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi.

“The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.”

FIFA World Cup Trophy completes its global tour in Qatar

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The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola concluded in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 later this week.

Final event takes place in Doha days ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

51 countries and territories visited, including all 32 FIFA World Cup™ qualified

Thousands of fans from around the world experienced the trophy at activation events

Coca-Cola, FIFA’s longest-standing partner, embarked on its fifth FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola earlier this year, bringing the most iconic trophy in the world to fans globally. As part of the tour, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy has travelled to 51 countries and territories, visiting all 32 FIFA World Cup™ qualified nations for the first time and providing thousands of fans with the opportunity to see the trophy in person.

Coca-Cola and FIFA are ever closer to visiting all FIFA’s 211 member associations by 2030, a goal set with the mission to inspire fans around the world through exclusive consumer experiences. Colin Smith, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer – World Cup, said: “The FIFA World

Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has once again been an incredible success and has epitomised how football is indeed truly global. We have witnessed the palpable excitement of thousands of fans all around the world, including those from each of the 32 qualified nations, as they got to experience sport's most coveted and recognisable icon that is the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The tour and collaboration with Coca-Cola has been a fitting build-up to what is sure to be the greatest show on Earth.”

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola saw fans and stakeholders experience football’s most coveted prize in some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to some of the most prestigious footballing arenas, such as the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Each stop along the tour included the participation of FIFA Legends who inspired fans with stories about their experiences winning the trophy.

FIFA World Cup winner, Marcel Desailly said: “It has been an honour to join FIFA and Coca-Cola on this journey. There is no other feeling like winning the FIFA World Cup Trophy and it has been a joy to see the delight of fans as they get up close to this iconic symbol of the beautiful game.”

Following the final stop in Doha, Qatar, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy will now make its way across the country with activations for fans and volunteers during the tournament.

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The fear factor “had to go straightaway,” says silversmith Sophie Chapman. “They were, like, ‘Right, gloves on, take the whole thing apart.’ Once it’s disassembled and in its bits, it’s a lot less intimidating to work on.”

She is recalling her first encounter with the 25.4kg Premier League trophy that she is now checking for damage. The much-coveted prize for England’s top football team has returned to Asprey’s London workshop for a service, ahead of its presentation to the winning club later this month.

It is Chapman’s second year working on the piece, which took Asprey about 700 hours to craft, but she has handled it since first joining the company, as an apprentice, in 2019.

“Normally, it’s got a couple of little bruises in it where it’s been knocked from going here and there,” says the 24-year-old. She will hammer or rub out these dents using stakes, some of which have been specially made to fit through the sterling silver trophy’s neck, once the gold-plated crown is removed, and give access to awkward spots.

A colleague will use a Water of Ayr stone to remove remaining imperfections, leaving the surface smooth for polishing. Any chips in the malachite base, where the winner’s name is engraved, will be dealt with by a specialist who can colour-match the stone.

Now, this trophy-making side of jewellery businesses is to be highlighted in two exhibitions over coming weeks. The Goldsmiths’ Company is showing Formula One trophies in Silver in the Fast Lane: 40 Years of Fox Silver at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, from June 10-22. Meanwhile, in Japan, the Tiffany Wonder exhibition at Tokyo Node gallery, until June 23, is featuring awards including American football’s Vince Lombardi trophy, presented to the NFL Super Bowl champions, and basketball’s Larry O’Brien Championship trophy for the NBA Finals.

“It’s a little-known part of our heritage, but it’s a very important one and certainly wraps into what Tiffany is about, which is celebrating life’s most important milestones,” says Victoria Reynolds, chief gemologist at Tiffany & Co. The business made its first trophy — the Woodlawn Vase for horseracing — in 1860. Reynolds says trophies are a “small” but “very steady” part of the US jeweller’s business.

At Garrard, creative director Sara Prentice says the category accounts for about 4 per cent of overall sales. The UK jeweller has produced trophies since at least 1776, including, in 1848, sailing’s America’s Cup, which will be contested for the 37th time later this year. Garrard has also supplied trophies for Royal Ascot — designs for which are still approved by the reigning UK monarch — and used AgAIN silver (recycled from medical X-rays) for this, for the first time, last year.

The majority of Garrard’s trophy work is bespoke, though it also offers a couple of off-the-shelf designs. Claire Scott, Garrard’s design and development director, says this is because trophies “take a lot longer to make than people tend to think”, owing to the many techniques and crafts involved. The manufacturing time, alone, is typically four to six months, she says.

Jewellers tend to make a perpetual trophy (presented to the winner but retained by the sporting body) as well as a replica that the winner keeps. “We work really closely with [a client] to create something which is truly unique and relevant to the brand or the sponsor or the sport, and that has a story and meaning behind it,” says Scott Gamble, director of corporate sales at Asprey, which has produced 54 trophies over the past year. An Asprey trophy is typically priced at between £20,000 and £80,000.

Gamble says business has increased year on year in the decade he has been at Asprey, with growth predominantly driven by golf. The UK brand is the official trophy provider to LIV Golf, the controversial Saudi-funded rival to the PGA Tour that held its first event in 2022. “It’s new, it’s fresh, it’s very different, and so we needed to reflect that through what we ultimately present as the awards and trophies for them,” explains Gamble.

While, historically, Asprey has predominantly made trophies from silver and silver gilt, Gamble says it is trying to “push the boundaries” by incorporating materials and techniques such as carbon fibre and UV-printed colour. The LIV Golf Team Championship trophy has a carbon fibre base and features four sterling silver shards, allowing all team members to have an equal share of the prize. Acrylic “ghost” sections and three further plinths enable each to display their shard at home.

A great trophy is an incredible work of art and symbolises victory, passion, effort and hard work Victoria Reynolds, Tiffany & Co

And jewellers do not only mark sporting success. Chopard has made prizes for the Cannes Film Festival, which opens on Tuesday, since becoming the event’s official partner in 1998. These include the Palme d’Or, now crafted in its high jewellery workshops in Geneva from 18-carat Fairmined gold and rock crystal.

Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard, says making what she suggests is the “most-wanted award in the world” after the football World Cup “raises the profile” of the house.

Trophy making also builds brand awareness for Tiffany. “It reaches — certainly, when you’re thinking about baseball and football — maybe a more diverse audience of men,” points out Reynolds, adding that sport is a “common denominator” worldwide.

She says traditional trophy craftsmanship is a “dying art”. “A great trophy is an incredible work of art and symbolises victory, passion, effort and hard work,” she adds. “The best photos for me are always of athletes hugging these trophies, pouring champagne on the trophies, celebrating with them. It’s what makes them so iconic.”

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Sam Cane set to retire from the New Zealand All Blacks after the 2024 international season

All Blacks captain Sam Cane leads his team onto the field for the second Bledisloe Rugby test between the All Blacks and the Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. Cane announced Monday May 13, 2024 that he was retiring from international rugby at the end of the 2024 season. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

All Blacks captain Sam Cane walks past the trophy during presentation ceremony after the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Cane announced Monday, May 13, 2024 that he was retiring from international rugby at the end of the 2024 season. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

FILE - All Blacks captain Sam Cane sits on the bench after he was sent off in the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Cane announced Monday, May 13, 2024 that he was retiring from international rugby at the end of the 2024 season. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

All Blacks captain Sam Cane runs during the second Bledisloe Rugby test between the All Blacks and the Wallabies at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. Cane announced Monday May 13, 2024 that he was retiring from international rugby at the end of the 2024 season. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Cane has accepted he won’t be All Blacks captain under new head coach Scott Robertson, and he will play rugby in Japan after the 2024 season.

Cane on Monday said he’s been released from the last year of his contract with New Zealand Rugby and will take up a new three-year contract with Tokyo-based Suntory Sungoliath.

He will be available for the All Blacks when he completes a current sabbatical in Japan and hopes to play the five tests he needs to reach a career 100 before leaving New Zealand.

But the 32-year-old who has captained the All Blacks in 27 of his 95 tests said he has played his last test as captain.

Robertson has indicated he is considering other options and tried earlier this year to entice 35-year-old lock Sam Whitelock back from France, though Whitelock has been cool on the prospect of returning after retiring as New Zealand’s most-capped player.

Lock Scott Barrett and backrower Ardie Savea seem to be the other leading candidates for the captaincy and Cane’s future in the No. 7 jersey is not certain. That starting role might go this year to Blues flanker Dalton Papali’i.

New Zealand will play its first tests of the season against England on July 6 and 13.

“It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby. I had my time as captain and it was a huge honor and privilege,” Cane said. “If I’m fortunate enough to be selected in the All Blacks this year then I’ll still be myself.

” I love that team and I just want to see the All Blacks do well, so if part of my role is contributing leadership off the field or on the field, I’ll be happy to support the new captain as best as I can to help make it a smooth transition for the All Blacks.”

Cane scored two tries on debut in 2012 against Ireland and was integral in New Zealand’s World Cup victory in 2015.

He hasn’t always been a popular figure with fans in New Zealand where openside flanker is a particularly significant position. Cane succeeded Richie McCaw in the No. 7 when McCaw was then New Zealand’s most-capped player.

Cane has battled injuries throughout his international career, including a broken neck in 2018.

He was sent off for a head contact early in last year’s World Cup final, leaving New Zealand to play most of the match with 14 men in a 12-11 loss to South Africa.

Robertson said he supported Cane’s decision to continue his career in Japan.

“After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him,” Robertson said.

“The position he plays asks a lot of you mentally and physically — both of those things ramp up when you are captain. So to do what he’s done over such a long period is an incredible feat. I fully respect him taking this opportunity.”

Cane said the contract offer from Japan came at a time he was considering his future and his ability to provide for his family after rugby.

“A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract,” Cane said. “It was something we had to seriously consider as a family due to the stage I am at in my career. It will see me through to 2027 when I’ll have my 35th birthday.

“I’ve always thought that if I can play professional rugby for that length of time I’d be doing really well considering the position I play and the age that I started playing professionally.”

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

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Spurs present Victor Wembanyama with Rookie of the Year trophy

The San Antonio Spurs presented Victor Wembanyama with the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy on Saturday at the planetarium on the campus of San Antonio College — an appropriate venue, perhaps, for a player nicknamed "The Alien."

The 7-foot-3 center from France was a unanimous selection, the sixth player in league history to receive every first-place vote for an award that's been handed out since 1953. He joined Ralph Sampson ( Houston , 1984), David Robinson (Spurs, 1990), Blake Griffin ( LA Clippers , 2011), Damian Lillard ( Portland , 2013) and Karl-Anthony Towns ( Minnesota , 2016).

He is the third San Antonio player to win the award, following Robinson and Tim Duncan (1998).

The Spurs finished 22-60 this season, matching their record in 2022-23, but there is plenty of optimism for the future after Wembanyama lived up to his potential as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

"Of course, I want to win as soon as possible, and I want the team results to be there, but I didn’t expect to be champions in my first year," Wembanyama said. "This is one of the representations of our progression throughout the year and the efforts we all made on the court."

Wembanyama became the only rookie in league history to average at least 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

"You’ve represented the Spurs, you’ve represented yourself, you’ve represented France, everybody," Robinson said in a tribute video. "Great job. I couldn’t be more proud of you."

After tying a league record with 22 straight postseason appearances from 1998 to 2019 under Robinson and Duncan, San Antonio has missed the playoffs in five straight seasons. But Wembanyama feels fortunate to play for a franchise that has won five NBA titles and has one of the league's most respected coaches in Gregg Popovich.

"What I know is that there is a difference between us, the Spurs, the way we play and 90 percent of the teams in the league," Wembanyama said. "I feel like we involve all players on the court. We have this will to share the ball and I can see that the coaches have this will to keep developing that and not become an iso-ball team, for example. I’m glad this is something that the Spurs have done for years."

After receiving the award, Wembanyama stuck around with a group of children to watch a presentation on dark matter.

"I like these kinds of questions," Wembanyama said. "Dark matter is a mass we can’t see, but we know it’s there because it’s got influence on gravitational pulls and the speed of gravitational orbits in every galaxy. Its presence inside galaxies is five times higher than regular seeable matter, so it’s a huge mystery. We can’t see it. We can’t observe it, but we can observe its influence. This is dark matter. Very sci-fi."

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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T20 World Cup-bound Sanju Samson records best ever season in IPL

Rr captain sanju samson reached his best-ever run tally in the indian premier league. playing against csk, samson achieved his feat when he crossed the 14-run mark on sunday, 12 may..

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• RR captain Sanju Samson has been incredible this season
• Sanju Samson records his best ever IPL season
• Sanju Samson has done well as the captain of RR as well

RR captain Sanju Samson registered his best-ever season with the bat in the Indian Premier League. Samson reached the feat when he crossed the tally of 14 runs against CSK, on Sunday, 12 May at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The RR captain, who was recently called up for India's squad in the T20 World Cup, has been in sensational form this season. Samson, however, got out right after that, at 15 in the 15th over of the match.

Samson has been in serious form this season, recording 485 runs in 12 matches. Before the start of this game, Samson had an average of 67.29 and a strike-rate of 163.54. The batter has been in some tremendous form, especially against spin this season. In fact Samson has not been dismissed against spin yet in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024, CSK vs RR: Live Updates | Scorecard

This season has seen Samson in his most matured form. The batter has played the situation to perfection and has hit 5 fifties, however, a hundred has eluded him. Samson's best knock this season came against DC, when he looked in towering touch in his 86 off 46 balls.

More importantly, Samson has helped RR to remain at the top of the table for the majority of the tournament and has won 8 out of their 11 games. With 3 games in hand, RR need just one win to qualify for the IPL playoffs this season.

SAMSON'S RISE WITH THE BAT

Sanju Samson credited head coach Kumar Sangakkara for his rise in batting form.

"Always great fun to spend time in the middle. It becomes more special when you win the game. This time I've been given a different kind of role with a slightly different combination we have. Sanga has given me some suggestions to follow. I've been playing IPL for 10 years - there has to be some experience coming in. I feel I need to spend more time and understand conditions," Samson said in the post-match presentation after their game against RR.

"Playing international ODIs also helped me. It's all about understanding your strengths and weaknesses. I'm a batsman who just reacts to the ball - no matter the first ball or the last ball. I should give this trophy to him (Sandeep). If he didn't bowl those three overs, I wouldn't be POTM. I thought I should call him. I heard Ash bhai say it's not just about skill but character in pressure moments. He has that in his eyes, in his body language that you can trust that guy," Samson had further added.

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Wonder goal for Ella Toone as Manchester United wins Women's FA Cup with 4-0 rout of Tottenham

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Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Manchester United's Ella Toone celebrates at the end of the Women's FA Cup final soccer match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, May 12, 2024. Manchester United won 4-0. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON – Manchester United won its first major trophy by routing Tottenham 4-0 in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Ella Toone's stunning long-range strike in first-half stoppage time set up victory for Marc Skinner's team.

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United cruised to victory after the break through two goals from Lucia Garcia and another from Rachel Williams.

United quickly made up for defeat to Chelsea in last year's final by lifting the trophy 12 months on.

Toone's wonder goal broke Tottenham's resistance when she curled the ball into the top corner from around 20 yards (meters) in the third minute of time added on in the first half.

Williams doubled United's lead with a powerful header nine minutes after the break.

United effectively sealed victory three minutes later, this time through Garcia, who was named player of the match.

Seizing on a weak clearance from Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer, Garcia pounced to score from close range.

She added her second and United's fourth in the 74th minute by lifting a shot into the top corner from inside the box.

It is the first time since Birmingham’s victory in 2012 that the cup hasn’t been won by one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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