Just over one year ago, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar captivated every country around the globe. With an action-packed group stage and incredible final match, this tournament is widely regarded as one of the best installments of the World Cup to ever have been played. From Messi to Morocco to Gavi, Qatar 2022 had it all.
The tournament kicked off with the hosts falling to Ecuador by a score of 0-2, with Enner Valencia notching two first-half goals to earn his country the three points. This match marked the start of the first midseason World Cup – one of many records to be set or broken during those few weeks. As more matches took place, the excitement increased.
Another notable group stage encounter included Spain’s 7-0 hammering of Costa Rica. In this match, 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Gavi became the youngest player to score in a World Cup match since Pele in 1958. The two teams, along with Japan and Germany, formed Group E, the most dramatic group in the tournament. At one point in the final matchday, Japan and Costa Rica were set to qualify, while the two powerhouse nations were on the brink of elimination. However, the Spanish were lucky enough to be saved by a heroic Kai Havertz performance to give Germany a 4-2 win over Costa Rica, gifting the second-place spot to La Roja.
The knockout rounds were even better than anticipated. Morocco made a wonderful run, holding Spain scoreless and defeating them on penalties in the round of 16. A narrow 1-0 in the quarterfinals sent Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal packing, but the underdogs fell short against the mighty France in the semifinals and Croatia in the third-place match. Morocco’s spectacular finish made them the first African team to ever qualify for the World Cup semifinals, and their story was heartwarming for all to see.
On the other side of the bracket, one name stood out: Lionel Messi of Argentina. His brilliance against Australia brought La Albiceleste against the Dutch in a heated matchup. After many yellow cards and a full session of extra-time, the Netherlands lost on penalties, 2(3)-2(4). Messi continued to impress with a fantastic solo goal against Croatia, who had arguably the best defense in the tournament, led by Josko Gvardiol. The 3-0 victory set the stage for a showdown between Argentina and France, the reigning champions.
The final did not disappoint, with top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe stepping up for his country. He found the back of the net three times for France, but his heroics were evenly matched by those of Messi, who scored twice and created countless chances for his side. The match went back-and-forth, but no victor could be crowned in regular or additional time. The match went to penalties, where Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s mind games put off French penalty takers, allowing right back Gonzalo Montiel to slot his penalty away and win the tournament for Argentina. Messi was crowned Player of the Tournament, and his performance and trophy cemented his place as the greatest player of all time. The 2022 World Cup was full of action, emotion, heartbreak, and success, and it will be remembered for many years to come.