Before the match every one made their own predictions more or less based on personal preferences. For the professionals of the industry, it was a difficult nut to crack. Even for the most experienced odd determination teams of the top Asian and European bookmakers, it was quite impossible to determine a clear favorite for the title. Only one thing was clear. That it would be a duel between two major stars of international football: Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi (in alphabetical order). Now the match has been played. And it was one that will remain in memory for years to come.
It’s not over until the fat lady sings
When Pulga took the shot of the controversial penalty that Di Maria earned, scoring the first goal at the 23rd minute, to be followed 13’ later by a second one by Di Maria himself, the atmosphere of the match gave off an air that the final was over. Les Bleus did not seem capable of even creating chances, let alone scoring even once. That was the status at the end of the first half and the first third of the second.
And then everything changed. Another controversial penalty was awarded to France and Kylian Mbappé begun his solo. Two goals in rapid succession with the second being arguably one of the best of the entire tournament. The score was now an equal 2-2 draw and every one held their breath of what was still to come.
It was time for the other members of the two sides to earn their pay. The two goalkeepers to be specific. Emiliano Martinez and Hugo Lloris kept the ball away from the back of their nets to guide the match to overtime, as expected by most punters and fans.
The fat lady still hasn’t sung
Messi had one more thing to say. The clock marked the 108th minute of the game when he netted the ball for Argentina’s third. Again, many thought that it was over. Yet, it wasn’t. 10’ later another penalty was awarded to France. And this one had no controversy involved. Mbappé, scored his third and the road for the penalty shootout was open. Unfortunately for the French, Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman did not succeed in scoring, allowing Argentina to be crowned World Champions for the next 4 years.
Looking at the statistics of the match, it was probably fair that the Latinos won. They had 10 more shots than their opponents, and in general did more on the pitch. Their gameplays were much more coherent and they knew how they wanted to play. Quickly, with one-touch accurate passes and runs on the empty spaces. France based their efforts on the skill of their players.
Bettingwise, those who made the decision to register for an account via agent and went for a winner at the penalty shootout, made a killing as the odds were in the vicinity of 10.00. Despite the predictions, 6 goals were scored in a match where the expectations were for not more than 2 maybe 3. It was an encounter where the stars were meant to speak. And the spoke. Loudly.