Argentina ended 36 years of harm by beating France in probably the most dramatic World Cup finals in historical past on Sunday.
In an unpredictable match from begin to end, England and Brazil each eased into the knockout levels, however then fell on the quarter-finals, whereas Morocco and Croatia defied the percentages to make the semi-finals.
After 4 weeks of unforgettable motion, Sportsmail has put collectively a report card for the groups that superior to the final 16.
USA
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Holland
USA went to Qatar with a younger squad understanding that they’d a great opportunity of getting out of a gaggle containing England, Wales and Iran.
They began strongly towards Wales however light badly and should have been a bit disillusioned to solely end with a 1-1 draw.
Their subsequent efficiency towards England was arguably their better of the match. The People pissed off the Three Lions, limiting them to only a few possibilities, and got here near nicking all three factors themselves when Christian Pulisic hit the bar. They left with a creditable draw, which means it was all to play for towards Iran.
One objective was all that was wanted to settle that sport, with Pulisic popping as much as internet the winner, establishing a last-16 conflict with Holland.
USA got here up quick towards Holland within the final 16 after ending second of their group
It appeared there was an opportunity of an upset given how Holland had appeared a way wanting their greatest of their group matches, however USA struggled to familiarize yourself with Louis van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2 formation.
Holland have been much more medical with their ending, and ended up deserved 3-1 winners.
USA’s midfield seems a specific space of energy as they put together to co-host the World Cup in 2026, with Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie all impressing in Qatar.
If they’ll discover a striker to ease among the stress on Pulisic, they can get a step or two additional subsequent time round.
Grade: B-
Australia
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Argentina
Australia had solely beforehand made it out of the group stage as soon as again in 2006. Having been positioned in a gaggle with France and Denmark, it appeared unlikely that they might attain the knockout rounds.
However you’ll be able to by no means write off an Australian sports activities workforce. The Socceroos have been outclassed by France of their opening sport as they misplaced 4-1, however they bounced again brilliantly to grind out a 1-0 win towards Tunisia.
4 days later, they did the identical once more, absorbing the stress towards Denmark earlier than hitting them on the counter by way of Mathew Leckie to safe one other 1-0 victory.
So what was Australia’s reward for making the spherical of 16? A gathering with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Mathew Leckie’s solo effort towards Denmark ensured Australia made it out of their group
The little maestro was someplace close to his imperious greatest, scoring the opening objective earlier than Julian Alvarez added a second after half-time.
Enzo Fernandez’s personal objective bought Australia again into the sport, they usually almost bought a late equaliser by way of Garang Kuol however his shot was saved out by Emiliano Martinez.
Regardless of their elimination, it was undoubtedly a profitable match for Australia – one of the best of their historical past by way of factors accrued.
Having wanted penalties to make it to Qatar within the first place, Graham Arnold’s workforce did their nation proud.
Grade: A
Poland
Group End: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards France
Whenever you consider Poland, one identify springs to thoughts right away: Robert Lewandowski.
Certainly this is able to be the match the place he lastly scored his first World Cup objective. He had the right alternative in Poland’s first sport when he gained a penalty, however his spot-kick was saved out by Guillermo Ochoa, and the match completed goalless.
Poland then confronted Saudi Arabia recent off the again of their gorgeous win towards Argentina.
Piotr Zielinski put Poland in entrance, and Lewandowski lastly bought his second late on as he capitalised on a defensive error to double his aspect’s lead.
A draw towards Argentina would have been sufficient to ship Poland by way of, however they by no means appeared like getting a end result as they delivered an extremely unfavorable efficiency and ended up shedding 2-0.
Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup targets, however Poland have been knocked out by France
At one stage it appeared like they could solely undergo by advantage of selecting up fewer bookings than Mexico, however they finally moved into the final 16 on objective distinction.
Having failed to complete prime of their group, they have been left with the daunting activity of enjoying France.
Kylian Mbappe continued his excellent kind, establishing Olivier Giroud’s opener earlier than scoring twice himself within the second half. Robert Lewandowski’s re-taken penalty was a mere comfort as France eased to a 3-1 win.
Poland have some gifted gamers, however should present extra journey subsequent time.
Reaching the final 16 was their ceiling, however they are going to be disillusioned with nearly all of their performances in Qatar, and they aren’t getting probably the most out of Lewandowski by leaving him so remoted up prime.
Grade: C
Senegal
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards England
Senegal have been dealt a serious blow earlier than their match had even began when Sadio Mane was dominated out by way of harm.
His absence was felt of their first sport as they appeared toothless in assault after which conceded two late targets to lose to Holland.
Their subsequent sport was a must-win one towards match hosts Qatar, they usually bought the job executed with relative ease.
They nonetheless wanted to beat Ecuador of their final group match, although. The African champions raised their sport when it mattered most, with captain Kalidou Koulibaly netting the winner to place his workforce into the knockout rounds.
Kalidou Koulibaly scored the objective that bought Senegal out of the group on the expense of Ecuador
Senegal’s run in Qatar was dropped at an finish by England on the last-16 stage
Sadly for Senegal, Idrissa Gana Gueye was booked in that match, leaving him suspended for his or her last-16 tie with England.
Senegal had a few early possibilities towards Gareth Southgate’s aspect however they didn’t take them, and have been punished when Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane struck simply earlier than half time. Bukayo Saka added a 3rd after the break to seal Senegal’s destiny.
Senegal solely confirmed their true potential of their conflict with Ecuador, however they should be questioning how various things may have been if Mane was obtainable.
Grade: C+
Japan
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Croatia
When the World Cup draw was made and Japan have been positioned in the identical group as Spain and Germany, factor weren’t trying promising.
However underestimate Japan at your peril. They went behind towards Germany, however battled again and scored two late targets to safe a well-known win.
Their best fixture on paper was Costa Rica, however they inexplicably managed to lose the sport, losing a number of alternatives earlier than Keysher Fuller scored the one objective 9 minutes from time.
It appeared like Japan had blown it, particularly once they have been trailing at half time towards Spain. However as soon as once more, their combating spirit saved them within the contest, and targets from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka turned the sport on its head.
Japan defied the percentages to beat Germany and Spain to complete prime of Group E
Tanaka’s objective wanted to be checked to see whether or not the ball had gone out out play, however VAR dominated that it had simply stayed in and the objective stood. Extremely, Japan had managed to prime their group, beating Germany and Spain within the course of.
Subsequent up was 2018 finalists Croatia, and Japan took the sport to their European opponents, moving into entrance by way of Daizen Maeda.
Croatia hit again, although, with Ivan Perisic levelling issues, and all of it went right down to penalties.
Japan have been overwhelmed on penalties by Croatia as they narrowly missed out on a quarter-final spot
Not like the earlier 120 minutes, this was hardly a contest as Japan scored simply certainly one of their 4 spot-kicks.
Regardless of their fantastic group-stage marketing campaign, there shall be a sense of ‘what if’ for Japan following their elimination. They have been knocked out within the last-16 by Belgium after being two targets up, they usually have been very near taking that subsequent step this time as properly.
Most of their gamers are plying their commerce in Europe these days, gaining increasingly more expertise. Japan are constructing a technically-gifted workforce that’s only a slice of luck away from moving into the latter levels of a serious match.
Grade: B+
South Korea
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Brazil
South Korea’s opening sport stalemate with Uruguay won’t stay lengthy within the reminiscence. The much less stated about that the higher.
However their second match towards Ghana was much more entertaining. Having began properly, South Korea discovered themselves two targets down at half-time after conceding twice in 10 minutes.
They refused to offer in, although, with Cho Gue-sung scoring twice to deliver his aspect stage, just for Mohammed Kudus to attain his second of the sport to seal a 3-2 win for Ghana.
This left South Korea needing to beat Portugal of their ultimate group match to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout levels.
South Korea have been outclassed by Brazil as they exited on the last-16 stage in Qatar
That end result appeared unlikely once they went behind early, however they got here firing again as soon as extra, and Hwang Hee-chan’s 91st-minute winner despatched his aspect by way of to the final 16.
There they met Brazil, and supervisor Paulo Bento determined to go toe-to-toe with the five-time winners. Dangerous transfer.
Brazil ran riot within the first half, scoring 4 unanswered targets. South Korea did achieve some respectability by pulling a objective again however they have been properly overwhelmed.
Making it out of the group was an achievement, however attempting to tackle Brazil at their very own sport was a mistake, and one which they might want to study from if they’re to additional in 4 years’ time.
Grade: B-
Spain
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Morocco
Has a workforce ever had a greater begin to a match than a 7-0 win? That is precisely what Spain managed to do once they swept apart Costa Rica.
At that time they appeared like real contenders, however they have been held to a 1-1 draw by Germany, providing a primary clue that they weren’t going to have issues all their very own approach in Qatar.
Then got here Japan. Spain dominated possession however did not do sufficient with it, they usually have been punished as Japan scored twice in three minutes at the beginning of the second half to drag off a powerful 2-1 win.
That end result meant Spain completed second in Group E and averted Croatia within the last-16, as an alternative being pitted towards Morocco. Was {that a} lucky draw? In no way.
Spain misplaced within the last-16 for the second World cup on the trot, and Luis Enrique was sacked
Going up towards a well-organised defence, it was a well-known story for Spain. Cross, cross, cross, now what?
Clear-cut possibilities have been few and much between, and the sport went to penalties. Morocco scored all three, Spain missed all three. Sport over.
So what are Spain lacking? A prolific goalscorer for one. Alvaro Morata scored three targets in his 4 appearances, however is he actually the striker to take Spain to World Cup glory?
Then there’s the difficulty of passing for passing’s sake. Spain handed the ball round on the again and in midfield with out hurting Morocco who merely stayed of their form and saved issues tight.
Spain’s type of play has turn into predictable and straightforward to play towards. Tweaks are wanted if they’re to deliver again the golden days of 2008-2012.
Grade: C-
Switzerland
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Final-16 exit towards Portugal
Murat Yakin proudly declared earlier than the match that he was managing ‘one of the best Switzerland nationwide workforce that has ever existed’, and his aspect began properly once they edged previous Cameroon 1-0.
Switzerland then held their very own towards Brazil, solely to be undone by a late Casemiro strike that flew into the highest nook.
Needing a degree towards Serbia, Switzerland went one higher, coming from 2-1 right down to win 3-2, as Xherdan Shaqiri discovered the online at a World Cup as soon as once more.
This secured Yakin’s males a last-16 tie with Portugal, and having overwhelmed France on the identical stage of final 12 months’s Euros, an upset appeared doable.
Switzerland have been thrashed by Portugal as they went out with a whimper on the last-16 stage
That’s till the sport began. The gulf in school between the 2 sides rapidly turned obvious as Cristiano Ronaldo’s substitute Goncalo Ramos helped himself to a hat-trick, whereas Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao all bought on the scoresheet in a 6-1 rout.
Navigating their approach by way of a tricky-looking group was commendable, however Switzerland delivered a really abysmal efficiency towards Portugal, and could have left Qatar disillusioned.
With names like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji of their squad, plus the spectacular Breel Embolo, Switzerland have a stable backbone to their workforce, however a scarcity of star high quality implies that getting previous the primary knockout spherical is at all times going to be a problem for them.
Grade: C-
Brazil
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Quarter-final exit towards Croatia
Brazil enter each World Cup anticipating to win it. Something much less is a failure.
They hardly ever sparkled of their opening two matches, however 2-0 and 1-0 wins towards Serbia and Switzerland respectively have been adequate to ebook their place within the last-16 with a sport to spare. Additionally they did not face a shot on track in both match.
Tite’s workforce suffered a shock 1-0 defeat towards Cameroon of their ultimate group match nevertheless it was a much-changed line-up so there didn’t look like any have to panic.
Then Brazil clicked into gear as they moved into the knockout levels. Neymar returned from harm to attain, and Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta additionally discovered the online as Brazil thrashed South Korea. There was dancing on the pitch as Brazil cemented their place as match favourites.
Brazil’s gamers confirmed off their dance strikes as they dominated South Korea
Brazil had appeared nearly unstoppable towards South Korea, however issues have been very completely different once they confronted Croatia.
The South American aspect have been continuously outnumbered in the midst of the pitch after Tite named a really attacking beginning XI, and the supervisor’s substitutions didn’t work as properly.
The sport went to extra-time and Brazil appeared to have gotten themselves out of bother when Neymar put them forward, however Croatia equalised with three minutes remaining by way of Bruno Petkovic.
All of it led to tears for Neymar as Brazil have been knocked out by Croatia within the quarter-finals
Penalties have been wanted to separate the 2 groups, and when Marquinhos’s spot-kick got here again off the put up, Brazil’s dream was over for an additional 4 years.
Neymar was left in tears afterwards having not taken a penalty (he was lined as much as take the fifth one).
Will he nonetheless be round in 2026? There isn’t any assure that he shall be, and there are a number of different gamers within the present squad that shall be properly into their thirties by then.
Tite has moved on having guided the workforce to back-to-back quarter-finals. Brazil haven’t made the ultimate since they final gained the World Cup 20 years in the past, and their loss towards Croatia will take a while to recover from.
Grade: D
Holland
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Quarter-final exit towards Argentina
Holland did not even make the World Cup in Russia so have been decided to make their mark this time round.
With Louis van Gaal again on the helm they made a stuttering begin towards Senegal earlier than two late targets gave them a 2-0 win.
They weren’t any higher towards Ecuador, throwing away an early lead as they have been held to a 1-1 draw.
An easy 2-0 victory over Qatar sealed prime spot in Group A, however Holland have been a way off their greatest and wanted to enhance within the last-16.
They duly did, utilizing the likes of Memphis Depay, Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo successfully on the counter-attack to file a 3-1 win towards USA.
This arrange a conflict with Argentina in a rematch of their 2014 semi-final. What adopted was a chaotic sport with 15 yellow playing cards and a crimson card.
Holland have been overwhelmed on penalties by Argentina in a chaotic quarter-final conflict
Argentina went two targets up by way of Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi, just for Wout Weghorst to pop up with a late brace to ship the sport to extra-time. His second objective within the one centesimal minute was scarcely plausible, as he latched onto a brief free-kick and fired residence from inside the realm.
Neither workforce discovered the online in extra-time, which means penalties have been required. Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis had their efforts saved by Emiliano Martinez as Argentina gained once more, similar to eight years earlier.
The 2 groups continued to conflict even after the ultimate whistle, with Martinez and Messi each giving scathing verdicts on the referee and their Dutch opponents.
It was not the tip that Van Gaal would have envisaged for his managerial profession, however he bought probably the most out of a restricted Dutch aspect and got here desperately near getting them into the semi-finals.
Grade: B
Portugal
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Quarter-final exit towards Morocco
Having wanted the play-offs to make it to Qatar, Portugal gathering momentum forward of the match, they usually bought previous Ghana and Uruguay of their opening two video games.
Nevertheless, issues began to go incorrect of their ultimate group match. Having gone 1-0 up early on, they conceded twice to lose 2-1 to South Korea, and Cristiano Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted within the second half.
Having hardly sparkled within the group levels, followers have been left questioning whether or not the unthinkable may occur and he could be dropped for a mix of his response to being substituted and his lack of kind.
Fernando Santos made the large name forward of the last-16 match with Switzerland to bench his captain, usher in Goncalo Ramos to exchange him.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal got here up quick as they suffered a shock loss towards Morocco
The change labored as Ramos bagged a hat-trick and Portugal ran out 6-1 towards their hapless opponents, however the consideration continued to centre round Ronaldo.
Would he come again in for the following sport? No. Santos went with an unchanged line-up towards Morocco, solely this time it didn’t repay as Portugal failed to interrupt down a cussed Moroccan defence and misplaced to a Youssef En-Nesyri header.
Ronaldo got here off the bench within the second half however was unable to show the sport in his aspect’s favour, and rapidly left the pitch in tears on the ultimate whistle.
Ronaldo seems to have ended his World Cup profession and not using a objective within the knockout levels, and after promising a lot towards Switzerland, Portugal finally blew it when a semi-final spot was there for the taking.
The workforce have a vibrant future with younger stars like Joao Felix, Rafael Leao and Ramos of their ranks, however that shall be little comfort proper now.
Grade: C
England
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Quarter-final exit towards France
After a disastrous Nations League marketing campaign, England wanted a optimistic begin to get the nation on-side. They bought it as they thrashed Iran 6-2, with Bukayo Saka netting a brace.
Gareth Southgate’s males have been introduced again right down to earth of their second outing, drawing 0-0 with USA in a colorless affair with only a few possibilities.
Wales have been up subsequent, and after one other timid first half show, England discovered their rhythm after the break, with Marcus Rashford scoring twice both aspect of a Phil Foden tap-in.
England dominated Wales as they eased by way of the group levels in Qatar
England have been beginning to construct some momentum, they usually registered a routine last-16 win towards Senegal, as Jordan Henderson and Saka scored, whereas captain Harry Kane additionally opened his account for the match.
This all arrange a mouthwatering showdown with France within the quarter-finals. Aurelien Tchouameni put France forward, though Saka seemed to be fouled within the build-up.
England hit again by way of a Kane penalty, however Olivier Giroud restored France’s benefit. Kane was given one other probability to drag his stage when England have been awarded one other penalty, however his effort flew over the bar, leaving the striker devastated.
Harry Kane’s missed penalty proved pricey because the Three Lions went out within the quarter-finals
Many anticipated England to solely get to the quarter-finals this time round when making their pre-tournament predictions, however there was critical hope that this was the time to make that subsequent step.
As a substitute it was extra disappointment for the Three Lions. Saka, Foden and Jude Bellingham will lead the following era seeking to finish 56 years of harm, and it has now been confirmed that Gareth Southgate will proceed within the dugout till Euro 2024.
Grade: C+
Morocco
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Semi-final defeat by France – fourth place
Morocco created historical past in Qatar. Having been positioned in a gaggle with Belgium and Croatia, nobody anticipated them to make the knockout rounds, however they did, and with one thing to spare.
After a colorless goalless draw with Croatia to begin their match, Morocco delighted their followers with a shock 2-0 win towards Belgium. They then accomplished their group with a 2-1 victory towards Canada.
Their reward for making the last-16 was a gathering with Spain, and after retaining their European opponents at bay for 120 minutes, Morocco triumphed on penalties.
Morocco’s win towards Portugal led to Sofiane Boufal dancing on the pitch together with his mom
They weren’t executed there as they went on to drag off one other upset by beating Portugal 1-0 within the quarter-finals to turn into the primary African nation to make the semi-finals of a World Cup.
They wanted to beat France to make the ultimate, however they got here up quick as they fell to a 2-0 defeat, and their play-off with Croatia proved to be a sport too far as they misplaced 2-1 to complete fourth.
Morocco actually gave their followers a match to recollect, although, they usually could marvel if they may have gone all the way in which had they been a bit extra lucky with accidents.
Morocco simply missed out on third place however nonetheless had an impressive match
Walid Regragui has executed a effective job having solely been appointed shortly earlier than the World Cup bought underway, and constructed Morocco’s success on defensive solidity.
If they’ll maintain issues tight on the again, then with the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech in assault they’ve each probability of getting extra success and proving that their run in Qatar was no fluke.
Grade: A+
Croatia
Group end: 2nd Closing end result: Semi-final defeat by Argentina – third place
Croatia have been excellent in Russia 4 years in the past as they made the ultimate earlier than shedding to France. Not many anticipated them to go as far this time round with a barely ageing squad.
They hardly appeared like world-beaters of their first outing towards Morocco – a dire 0-0 draw, however confirmed their class as they eased previous Canada 4-1 of their second match.
This meant that they solely required a draw of their ultimate group sport towards Belgium to progress, however they needed to trip their luck as Romelu Lukaku missed a number of possibilities to knock them out.
Having sneaked into the last-16, they got here up towards an in-form Japan aspect that had simply overwhelmed Germany and Spain. Croatia fell behind, however a effective Ivan Perisic header pressured penalties, and Dominik Livakovic saved three spot-kicks to ship his aspect by way of.
Croatia completed third to again up their runners-up end in Russia 4 years in the past
Having edged previous Japan, Croatia have been anticipated to be dumped out by pre-tournament favourites Brazil, and it appeared like they have been heading for the exit door when Neymar put Brazil forward in further time.
As soon as once more, Croatia refused to offer in, and Bruno Petkovic took the sport to penalties. As soon as once more, Croatia got here out on prime within the shootout.
One other South American aspect awaited within the last-four, however this time Croatia have been no match for Argentina as they delivered a disappointing show and misplaced 3-0.
Zlatko Dalic’s aspect bounced again properly, although, seeing off Morocco within the third-place play-off to say the bronze medal.
Qatar seems to have been Luka Modric’s swansong on the worldwide stage and he’ll take some changing, however Josko Gvardiol has emerged as an enormous expertise on the again.
Croatia have by no means correctly changed Mario Mandzukic up entrance, but when they’ll discover a dependable goalscorer they may punch above their weight once more in 2026.
Grade: A
France
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Misplaced to Argentina on penalties within the ultimate
France got here agonisingly near profitable consecutive World Cups. The build-up to the match was suffering from harm setbacks as Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante have been all dominated out.
But France nonetheless eased by way of their group, seeing off Australia and Denmark to seal prime spot with a sport to spare. Their defeat towards Tunisia was hardly something to fret about as Didier Deschamps put out a much-changed line-up.
Poland weren’t anticipated to trigger Poland many issues, they usually did not as Kylian Mbappe scored twice and registered an help in a 3-1 win for Les Bleus.
A a lot sterner check got here within the quarter-finals as France took on England. France twice went in entrance, however needed to endure a nervy end as Harry Kane introduced England stage with a penalty after which missed one other spot-kick that will have taken the sport to extra-time.
Kylian Mbappe had a superb match, scoring eight targets to win the Golden Boot
France finally got here up quick within the ultimate after shedding on penalties to Argentina
Having overcome that scare, France confronted shock bundle Morocco within the last-four. An early Theo Hernandez objective settled any nerves, and Randal Kolo Muani sealed France’s place within the ultimate with a late second objective.
France’s preparations for the ultimate have been hampered by a illness bug going by way of the camp that left a variety of gamers unwell simply days earlier than the sport.
This appeared to indicate within the first half of the ultimate as they went two targets behind earlier than the break.
But they confirmed large spirit to battle again, with Mbappe scoring twice to make sure that further time was wanted.
After Messi and Mbappe traded targets within the extra half-hour, all of it got here right down to penalties, and France fell quick as Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni missed from the spot.
France overcame loads of adversity in Qatar and may be very pleased with their efforts. Deschamps has constructed a superb squad, and they’re very prone to be one of many favourites in Euro 2024 and on the subsequent World Cup.
Grade: A
Argentina
Group end: 1st Closing end result: Winners
Argentina may hardly have gotten off to a worse begin in Qatar after shedding to Saudi Arabia in one of many greatest upsets in World Cup historical past. On the time they appeared a way off being future world champions. Even getting out of the group appeared like it might be troublesome.
However, impressed by Lionel Messi, Argentina confirmed their mettle, beating Mexico and Poland to complete prime of Group C.
They confronted an unfancied Australia aspect within the spherical of 16, however as soon as once more it wasn’t simple.
After transferring right into a two-goal lead, Argentina have been pegged again and wanted a late Emiliano Martinez save at hand them a nervy 2-1 win.
Lionel Messi lastly bought his fingers on the World Cup, and was additionally given the Golden Ball award
Issues would get much more tense once they took on Holland within the last-eight. Argentina went two targets in entrance once more, however in a tetchy encounter which noticed 15 yellow playing cards and a crimson card, Holland hit again to drive extra-time.
The workforce could not be separated, and penalties have been wanted. Martinez made two saves as Argentina nearly saved their World Cup dream alive.
It was much more plain crusing within the semi-finals as Argentina breezed previous Croatia 3-0, leaving them and Messi only one sport away from historical past.
The them of throwing away a lead continued within the ultimate as Argentina took a two-goal benefit into the break, however Kylian Mbappe scored twice late on to drive extra-time.
Messi and Mbappe additionally discovered the online in further time, which means penalties have been wanted, and Martinez was the hero as soon as once more as he saved out Kingsley Coman’s penalty.
From a disastrous opening sport defeat to the final word glory, Argentina went by way of all of the feelings, and finally Messi and co got here out on prime.
Grade: A+
